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

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

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

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

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

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 mistake that Sharon and I both made is we never set any boundaries.  (Ozzy Osbourne)

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

It's more effective to reward your child for being "good" (appropriate) than to punish him for being "bad" (inappropriate).

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

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Types of Depression

TYPES OF DEPRESSION
DIAGNOSED IN YOUNG PEOPLE
(the Oxford Psychiatric Dictionary lists 25 different types of depression)
 
a) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)
                  – serious depression lasts an average of 7-9  months
                  – similar to adult depression in some ways
                                                                        – sadness
                                                                        – pessimism
                                                                        – sleep & appetite disturbance
                                                                        – decrease in concentration
                  – dissimilar in some ways
                                                                        – anxiety
                                                                        – irritability
                                                                        – overly sensitive
                                                                        – eating & sleeping too much
 
b) DYSTHYMIC DISORDER
                                    – milder but more chronic
                                    – low level depression
                                    – usually able to carry out daily routines but requires major effort
                                    – continues for years
                                    – often progresses into major depression
 
 
c) DOUBLE DEPRESSION
                                    – combination of above
                                    – serious and chronic
 
 
d) BIPOLAR  (manic depressive)
                  – unusual & extreme swings in mood and energy
                  – may cycle each day or several times per year
                  – frequently begins with depressive episode in youth
                  – runs in families
                  – research suggests 20-40% of adolescents with MDD develop bipolar within 5 years
                  – usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life
                  – equal male & female
 
 
e) REACTIVE DEPRESSION
                  – most common form of mood problem
                  – brought on by disturbing experience
                  – lasts anywhere from a few hours and a few weeks
                  – least serious
                  – not considered a  mental disorder
 

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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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