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Criticism is not a motivator.

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

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

The challenge of adolescence is to balance the right of the parents to feel they are in charge with the need of the adolescent to gain independence.

Whining and crying are employed by kids for the purpose of getting something. If it works, then it was worth the effort and will be repeated.

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

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

Hurt people hurt people.

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

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

Learn more.

Upcoming Workshop (Teenage Brain)

I will be presenting a workshop open to the public on October 22, 6:30-9:30 at the Woodstock campus of Fanshawe College. The title of the workshop is “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain”

A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain with fewer kilometres on it. It is a brain that is not fully developed. It is a work in progress and has stymied parents for centuries. Modern science is now explaining biological reason why:

– teens can seem so mature one minute and so maddening the next

– some struggle and some bloom

– they engage in risky behaviour (booze, drugs, sex, etc.)

– they can’t get out of bed before noon on the weekend

– he/she won’t talk to you anymore

– they slam doors

Science is tiptoeing on the edge of understanding the teenage brain and the science is changing fast. Understanding the teen brain can lead to smoother relationships between parents and their kids.

Contact Fanshawe College Woodstock by phone (519) 421-0144 or online (fanshawec.ca/oxford) to register. The cost is $41.50

 

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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

“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)