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Criticism is not a motivator.

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

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.

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

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

Setting limits teaches your children valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives. One day, they will report to a job where their ability to follow rules will dictate their success.

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.

If it  was going to be easy to raise kids, it never would have started with something called "labour".

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

Removing a child from a traumatic environment does not remove the trauma from the child's memory.

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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

“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”

(A.N. – Tillsonburg)