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

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

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.

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

Children mimic well. They catch what they see better than they follow what they hear.

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

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

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

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

Learn more.

Depression & Anxiety Disorder in Teens

ANXIETY DISORDER IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION
 
“Depression” is mourning the “past” or “present”.
“Anxiety” is fearing the “”future”.
 
“Anxiety” is a normal  and useful reaction and warns us to be careful:
                                    – wear a seatbelt
                                    – use a bike helmut
                                    – designated driver
                                    – hold a child’s hand when crossing a street
 
Worries and fears that interfere with “normal” life and routines are anxiety disorders
 
 
Anxiety disorders involve problems with behaviours and thoughts and are often accompanied by physiological  changes:
                  – rapid heart rate
                  – hyperventilation
                  – nausea
                  – sweating
                  – tremors
                  – etc.
__________________________________________________________________
CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Theories                – biological
                                     – pyschological
                                     – social
                                      – temperament
 
Most psychiatrists believe neurotransmitters are involved.

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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)