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

"The thing that impresses me most about North America is the way parents obey their children"    (King Edward VII , 1841-1910)

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

Criticism is not a motivator.

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.

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

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

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

If you are headed in the wrong direction as a parent - you are allowed to make a U-turn.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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Sleep Problems (part 1)

“Children are a comfort in our old age, it is true; and often children help us reach it faster too”. “My children are the perfect age . . . too old to cry at night and too young to ask for the car.” Sleep problems are not the same in children as they are in adults. For example, infants and toddlers who are not sleeping well do not complain – their parents do. Young children […]

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Depression Facts

FACTS -80% of depressed teens do not get psychiatric help – 75% have continuing problems into adulthood – 25% develop additional problems                                     eg.           – substance abuse                                                       – anxiety                                                       – eating disorders                                                       – school failure – 20% have seriously considered suicide – many clash with their parents

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Symptoms of “Executive Dysfunction”

These are the kinds of things that make living with or working with an ADHD child challenging. lack of foresight (unable to predict consequences for his/her behaviour) poor hindsight (“Johnny, how many times do I have to tell you to  . . . ) live for the minute (the future and past do not exist) poor organization (unable to “get it together” in A.M.) trouble returning to a task (“Johnny, you never complete anything”) poor […]

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School and the FASD Child

School demands (behaviour and academics) can be overwhelming for a child with FASD. In my opinion behaviour should take precedence over academics. It is possible that the sights, sounds and human dynamics within the school may be too stimulating for the child. Expect rules to be have to be taught , retaught and retaught  some more.  It will probably be beneficial for the child to sit near the teacher and he will probably  take a […]

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Depression & Anxiety Disorder in Teens

ANXIETY DISORDER IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION   “Depression” is mourning the “past” or “present”. “Anxiety” is fearing the “”future”.   “Anxiety” is a normal  and useful reaction and warns us to be careful:                                     – wear a seatbelt                                     – use a bike helmut                                     – designated driver                                     – hold a child’s hand when crossing a street   Worries and fears that interfere with “normal” life and routines are anxiety disorders   […]

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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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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)