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

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

Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

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

"Parents aren't the cause of ADHD, but they are part of the solution." (Kenny Handleman, M.D.)

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

The teenage years require a delicate balance between the young person's need to gain independence, and the parent's need to retain authority.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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.

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

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Recent Workshops

I extend thanks to: 1. Davenport Public School parent council in Aylmer for inviting me to present the workshop “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain” 2. Hamilton Children’s Aid society for offering the workshop “A Guided Tour of ADD/ADHD to foster and adoptive parents. Both workshops were well attended and much valuable information was shared. I will be returning to the Hamilton CAS in early December to present “Taming a Toddler”

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Foster Parent Training in Brantford

I had an opportunity recently to present the  workshop  “Working With Birth Parents” to a welcoming group of foster parents affiliated with the Children’s Aid Society  of Brant. I extend thanks to Carrie Davidson and Keri Brook for their efforts in arranging and organizing this training event. The legal responsibility of the CAS is to provide care for children who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their birth family. The preferred […]

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Upcoming Workshop (Teenage Brain)

I will be presenting a workshop open to the public on October 22, 6:30-9:30 at the Woodstock campus of Fanshawe College. The title of the workshop is “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain” A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain with fewer kilometres on it. It is a brain that is not fully developed. It is a work in progress and has stymied parents for centuries. Modern science is now explaining biological […]

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Suicide Threats – Do’s & Don’ts

DO’S & DON’TS WITH A SUICIDE THREAT DO:                   1. stay calm                   2. talk to him         – listen                                                       – don’t try to “talk” him out of how he is feeling                                                       – don’t try to cheer him up                                                       – show concern                                                       – reassure person you know how to get    help                                                       – ascertain how well thought out the plans are (fleeting thoughts of suicide are           […]

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Suicide

THE NIGHTMARE of SUICIDE Journal entry “ I’m surprised I haven’t done it yet because I feel really terrible all the time. I just don’t have any courage but anyone else in my position would have already committed suicide.”       Rachel  age 15                   – the peak age for suicide attempts is 16                   – 19% of teens seriously consider suicide                   – 6% actually attempt it                   – only car accidents claim more teen lives […]

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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)