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The mistake that Sharon and I both made is we never set any boundaries.  (Ozzy Osbourne)

The quickest way to change your child’s behaviour is to first change your own.

Adolescence can be the cruelest place on earth. It can really be heartless.  ( Tori Amos)

Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. (Peggy O'Mara)

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

"Unexpressed feeling never die. They are buried alive and come back later in ugly ways." (Stephen Covey)

Parents are the external regulator for kids who cannot regulate themselves.

The more 2 parents differ in their approaches to discipline, the more likely it leads to trouble for the child.

Criticism is not a motivator.

Learn more.

Ritalin – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Second – the bad

Like all medications, Ritalin has negative side effects. Not all individuals will be affected in the same way but the following list are concerns that have been observed:

  • decreased appetite (hunger returns when meds wear off)
  • weight loss
  • failure to grow
  • insomnia
  • dizziness and drowsiness
  • increase in motor and/or vocal tics
  • increase in heart rate
  • increase in blood pressure
  • abdominal stress (nausea)
  • headaches
  • allergic reactions (rash, hives)
  • nervousness
  • excitement
  • can affect liver function
  • may activate latent epilepsy or glaucoma
  • tolerance develops requiring larger dose
  • makes some children feel “funny”
  • negatively interacts with some drugs
  • “rebound” – hyperactivity returns stronger when drug wears off

The following list includes possible psychosocial side effects:

  • lower self esteem
  • attributes “external” cause for success or failure
  • disowning responsibility for their own provocative behaviour
  • stigmatization by peers
  • family issues remain unresolved
  • need for parenting and teaching changes are buried

The following quote from the American Psychiatric Press – Textbook of Psychiatry –

page 1076 is noteworthy – “Stimulants have not been demonstrated to have long term therapeutic effects”. . . . “It is clear that medication alone is not sufficient treatment”.

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

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+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

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+ A Guided Tour of ADHD (now available online)

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and […]

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See more of our workshops


Contact

2720 Rath Street, Putnam, Ontario
NOL 2BO

Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281

Email: info@rickharper.ca

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Parents' Comments

“Our psychiatrist recommended Rick to help us sort out behaviour management issues for our autistic son. He was an invaluable help.”

(C.C. – Sarnia)