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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.

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

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

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

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

Adolescence can be the cruelest place on earth. It can really be heartless.  ( Tori Amos)

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.

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

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.

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Parenting Workshop

    I am frequently invited to speak to parents at school, conferences, children’s aid societies, church groups etc. and share ideas about parenting. My workshop entitled “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain” is a 3 hour training that outlines cutting edge research that explains what’s happening in a teenager’s head – and it is good news. The cost of this workshop is $200 + cost of handouts + travel. Phone (519) 485-4678 or […]

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Challenges Parents of Some Teens Face

    My previous  2 blog entries highlighted positive research finding by Canadian sociologist Reginald Bibby. Unfortunately not all teens fit his description. Below is a list of concerns that parents share with me: disrespectful attitude self absorbed lazy & careless about responsibilities negative attitude toward life and school emotionally withdrawn & distant picks friends who you disapprove angry outbursts for little reason lacks motivation for school neglects chores moody mean to siblings detaches from […]

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Research on Teens

    Reginald Bibby concludes from his research that I reported in my previous blog that: 1. The values deemed “most important” by adult Canadians are mirrored by a solid majority of young people. 2. Canadian teens tend to hold essentially the same views as canadian adkults about core values. 3. Teen outlook is remarkably similar to adults. 4. The idea that there is a wide generation gap between the majority of teens and their […]

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The Really “Ugly” Side of Stimulant Meds for ADHD

What are the really bad things that can happen? Stimulant meds are in the same class as morphine and barbiturates the potential for abuse is real abusers report cocaine-like effects Large doses give feelings of : euphoria  more energy  sense of power As effects wear off: heightened fatigue  irritability,  depression  craving for more Persistent use can lead to: psychotic episodes paranoid behaviour hallucinations bizarre behaviour  

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Tactics for Temper Tantrums (part 10)

    Determine the Type of Tantrum Tantrums come in 2 varieties: “development” and “manipulative. The terrible two’s is all about the “developmental” type. These are typically very intense as the child literally has lost control of himself. With increasing age, this type usually gives way to the “manipulative” tantrum that typically has less intensity and more of a conscious, planned quality. It is not always easy to distinguish between the two types. The reaction […]

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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

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

(E.K. – London)