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

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

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.

"Moody" and "unpredictable" are adjectives parents will often use when referring to their teenagers.

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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

The quickest way to change your child’s behaviour is to first change your own.

Learn more.

Helping Kids Through Traumatic Events

HELPING A SUSCEPTIBLE KID
THROUGH A HORRIBLE EVENT
Example – September 11
                  – limit TV – constant bombarding of images  reinforces anxiety
                  – message should be clear:
                                                                        – this is horrible
                                                                        – it’s frightening
                                                                        – but we are not helpless or hopeless
                                                                        – there are things being done
                                                                        – the situation will improve
                                                                        – the government is taking steps
                                                                        – we can help
                                                                        – parents remain calm
 
 
 
Most often it’s a “private” event that triggers depression:
                  – loss of some kind – death, divorce, relationship
                  – dependent life event – one where the teen did something that results in a horrible event
                  – independent life event – teen did nothing to cause the event
 
 
 

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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)