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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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Medications for ADHD and Future Substance Abuse

ADHD MEDICATIONS AND FUTURE SUBSTANCE ABUSE
I am frequently asked by parents of children taking stimulant medications for ADHD if they are at an increased risk for future substance abuse. Research suggests that children with ADHD do have a tendency towards future abuse problems at a rate 2 to 3 times that of children without ADHD, but the research does not indicate that it is the medication that causes this increased risk.
Research recently published out of UCLA that analyzed 15 long term studies and followed 1000’s of children from age 8 to 20 found that stimulant medication use did not increase or decrease the risk of substance abuse. Steven Lee (Ph.D.) says the increased risk is a result of the symptoms of ADHD, not the medication treatment.
The 3 classic symptoms of ADHD are:
1. inattention
2. impulsivity
3. hyperactivity
but they also frequently exhibit:
a) poor self control
b) poor recall of the past
c) poor future planning
Steven Lee contends that it is the combination of these 5 symptoms that can lead to poor choice making and subsequent  abuse problems. It is worthy to note that the active ingredients  of stimulant medications (Ritalin, Biphenton, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse) are either methyphenidate or amphetamine. These 2 classes of drugs clearly do have an abuse potential if used in improper ways as they will cause a cocaine-like high. Government health authorities recognize this potential and have placed strict controls on the number of pills that can be dispensed to a patient at one time.
The evidence is clear that stimulant medications can be of great help to individuals living with ADHD as they assist with the control of many of the troublesome symptoms. It is also clear that these medications have an abuse potential because of the euphoric reaction that can occur with improper use.
My recommendations to parents are:
1) consult with your pediatrician and pharmacist
2) closely supervise the administration of the meds
3) continually monitor and  evaluate  their effectiveness
4) educate your child about the need to use medications wisely
There are benefits and risks with all medications including the stimulant forms for ADHD. It all comes down to finding the right balance to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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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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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

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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)