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

Children fare better when expectations on them are clear and firm.

Relationships matter:  change comes through forming trusting relationships. People, not programs change people.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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.

"Moody" and "unpredictable" are adjectives parents will often use when referring to their teenagers.

"Rules without relationship leads to rebellion" (Josh McDowell)

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

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)

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

Learn more.

What Does a Child With ADHD Look Like?

It is not unusual for children to forget their homework, act impulsively or fidget at the dinner table. but children with ADHD are particularly prone to these types of behaviour. It can be however, difficult to distinguish between ADHD and normal childhood tendencies. If you identify a few of the following traits or  the symptoms only occur in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. However if you see a number of symptoms in different situations, it would be a wise decision to have an evaluation by a qualified professional.

Symptoms

  • can’t sit still
  • impulsive
  • distractible
  • distracting
  • inattentive
  • disregard rules
  • doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes
  • major school problems
  • causes stress within families
  • few friends – “bugs” others
  • punishments and rewards seem ineffective
  • noncompliant
  • extreme mood swings
  • few inhibitions
  • dreamer
  • fidgets
  • noisy , talks excessively
  • fingers, legs constantly wiggling
  • interrupts conversations
  • invades others space
  • asks irrelevant questions
  • others view child as disrespectful, needy
  • blurts out answers
  • can’t wait
  • difficulty finishing assignments
  • disorganized
  • “careless” mistakes
  • procrastinations
  • forgetful
  • squirming
  • running and climbing when it is inappropriate
  • loud
  • always on the go
  • trouble participating in sedentary activities (ie. circle time at school)
  • impatient
  • difficulty delaying gratification
  • unaware of danger
  • not listening to instructions

It is vitally important to remember that your child is not doing these behaviours on purpose. They are happening because of the way his/her brain is working. Help is available for the child and parents.

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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)