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The challenge of adolescence is to balance the right of the parents to feel they are in charge with the need of the adolescent to gain independence.

Don't wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

Criticism is not a motivator.

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

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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.

Children do not develop on their own - they only develop within relationships.

There has been an explosion in the prescribing of medication for very young children, particularly preschool and kindergarten boys (Juli Zito , Univ. of Maryland)

Learn more.

What are the Side Effects of Stimulant Medications?

 

 

These are the reported possible side effects of stimulant medications. Certainly not all are likely to happen and those that do may subside in time.

  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • failure to grow
  • insomnia
  • dizziness & drowsiness
  • increase in motor and/or vocal tics
  • increased heart rate
  • increased blood pressure
  • nausea
  • headaches
  • allergic reactions
  • nervousness
  • excitement
  • may activate latent epilepsy or glaucoma
  • tolerance develops
  • feels “funny”
  • effects on pregnancy unknown
  • presence in breast milk unknown
  • may interact with other drugs
  • “rebound” – behaviour worsens when drug wears off

It is understandable that this list would scare parents but you must also remember there are considerable  risks for not taking the medications.  It becomes a balancing act of  risk / benefits. Your doctor is the best source of advice.

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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 daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)