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Simple rules adhered to when children are young can prevent more serious problems later.

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.

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

Children today are under enormous pressures rarely experienced by their parents or grandparents. Many of today's children are being enticed to grow up too quickly and are encountering challenges for which they are totally unprepared.

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

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.

Good parenting requires sacrifice. Childhood lasts for only a few brief years , but it should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes

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

Hurt people hurt people.

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

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What is Ritalin?

  • the chemical name is methylphenidate
  • it is an amphetamine
  • it is a controlled drug
  • it is in the stimulant class of drugs
  • it is a performance enhancer
  • it is a banned drug for international athletic competitions
  • it has an abuse potential
  • it is sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy (a sleep disorder characterized by recurring, irrepressible attacks of sleep during normal waking hours)
  • it used to be used for obesity
  • it is manufactured by Novartis
  • it is a small, bitter tasting pill
  • it comes in 3 strengths – 5 mg., 10 mg., 20 mg.
  • it is fast working  – approx. 20 – 30 minutes
  • it last 3 – 4 hours (the slow release versions lasts about twice as long)
  • optimal dosage is found by trial and error
  • there is no evidence of it being carcinogenic
  • dosages can be adjusted quickly and easily
  • there is no withdrawal problems other than “rebound” (ie. symptoms return)
  • it does not appear to accumulate anywhere in the body
  • it is metabolized quickly
  • there is a lengthy safety record

Stimulant medications such as ritalin are the mainstay of biochemical treatment for ADHD

Stimulants appear to allow some children to “put on the brakes” against distractions,impulsivity, over-reactions and frustrations.

They give a child’s “executive functions” a fighting chance.

What parents need most are ideas, because with ideas we get options. Rick Harper has been providing ideas to parents for over 40 years.

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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

“He is a wealth of knowledge coupled with first hand experience.”

(E.K. – London)