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We should not medicate the boys so they fit the school; we should change the school to fit the boy. (Leonard Sax, M.D. Ph.D)

Whining and crying are employed by kids for the purpose of getting something. If it works, then it was worth the effort and will be repeated.

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

It is what we say and do when we're angry that creates the very model our children will follow when dealing with their own frustrations.

Being a parent of a teenager can cure a person of narcissism.

"To be a man, a boy must see a man."  (J.R. Moehringer)

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

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

It's more effective to reward your child for being "good" (appropriate) than to punish him for being "bad" (inappropriate).

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Suicide Threats – Do’s & Don’ts

DO’S & DON’TS WITH A SUICIDE THREAT
DO:
                  1. stay calm
                  2. talk to him         – listen
                                                      – don’t try to “talk” him out of how he is feeling
                                                      – don’t try to cheer him up
                                                      – show concern
                                                      – reassure person you know how to get    help
                                                      – ascertain how well thought out the plans are (fleeting thoughts of suicide are
                                                                                       common – well thought out plans need to be taken seriously)
                  3. get mental health help
                  4. have someone with the young person at all times
                  5. remove dangerous items
 
 
DON’T:
                  1. assume the person is “just trying to get attention”
                  2. promise that you won’t tell anyone
                  3. tell the person how to feel
                  4. try to argue someone out of feeling suicidal
                  5. say “that’s dumb” or “snap out of it”
                  6. challenge the person to “go ahead and do it”
 
Attempts frequently occur after a conflict or stressful event
– these events do not cause an attempt
– they make teen more vulnerable
 
An attempt can be a “turning point”
(an opportunity for change)

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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

“Implementing Rick’s techniques and adhering to them is exhausting, but it is a healthy exhaustion rather than the detrimental exhaustion I used to experience.”

(B.F. – Woodstock)