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A tantruming toddler is a little ball of writhing muscle and incredible strength. It’s like trying to carry a greased pig past a slop bucket.

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.

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

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

The brain is the boss of behaviour.

Change the brain = change the behaviour.

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

Don’t wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

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

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

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

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TRACKING – a tool for teaching appropriate behaviour

Many children with FASD have difficulty with sequencing and seeing cause and effect. Life seems to be a series of randomly unrelated events. “Tracking” means to help the child recall an event or situation and its resulting consequences. Bedtime is a good time for “tracking” as he may be more ready to listen (a teachable moment). We want him / her to begin to connect the dots” of life. It may need to be repeated [...]

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FASD – Late Childhood (aged 8 – 12)

The main developmental task for children of this age is to develop a sense of industry. Family stresses are likely to increase as FASD children can be exhausting. Caregivers will benefit from counselling and respite care may become necessary. Peer and sibling relationships can become more difficult because the child may have legitimate  difficulty with following the rules, turn taking, cheating, stealing, breaking things and being unpredictable. Children with FASD do not understand the feelings [...]

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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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FASD and Early Adolescence (13-17 years)

The 2 main goals for parents during this stage are: 1.to prepare the young person to associate , identify and become a part of his community 2. to begin separation from parents Guidelines for Parents expect “normal” teen behaviour – clothes, hair style, music, etc (choose your battles wisely) expect your teen to resist your “help” or “advice” (it’s normal) teens frequently become socially isolated – rejected by peer group your teen may gravitate to [...]

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Parenting a FASD Child (age 5-7 years)

The main developmental task for this aged child is to develop confidence to attempt new things. Guidelines for Caregivers give age appropriate knowledge of FASD to the child be ready for problems to intensify as his world expands routine, consistency, help & repetition remain key problems for siblings increase – eg. embarrassment, stealing, fighting “subtle” lessons on social skills are ineffective medication MAY soften some behaviour problems sports may serve as an outlet discipline needs [...]

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management

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

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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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+ A Guided Tour of ADHD

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and [...]

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+ The “Difficult” Child

Do you find your child difficult to raise? Yes or [...]

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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

“I am no longer overwhelmed with a child who has unending discipline and behaviour problems.”

(P.S. – London)