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Criticism is not a motivator.

Children do not develop on their own - they only develop within relationships.

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

"Unexpressed feeling never die. They are buried alive and come back later in ugly ways." (Stephen Covey)

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

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

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.

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.

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

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

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Teen Depression vs Adult Depression

DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS & TEENS   ADULTS tend to be sad stay sad sleep less eat less decrease in libido no change in anxiety no change in physical problems Teens tend to be angry, irrational, act out cycles in and out frequently sleep more eat more libido seldom impaired increased anxiety complains of somatic symptoms There is a marked increase in irritability which is frequently evident in young people leading to family conflicts. […]

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FASD – Lab Tests

There are no definitive lab tests for FASD. The clues to recognition lie in the subtle interplay of physical and psychological characteristics and a mother’s alcohol history. Diagnosis is based on: 1. a complete physical examination 2. a thorough maternal history Lab tests may be used to rule out other causes of similar looking disorders including: – deLange syndrome – Noonan syndrome – Dubowitz syndrome – Stickler syndrome -X-linked mental deficiency – fetal hydontoin syndrome […]

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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

“Our daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)