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Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

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

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.

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

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

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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

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

It is what we say and do when we're angry that creates the very model our children will follow when dealing with their own frustrations.

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

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Recommendations for Parents of Children with ADD/ADHD

Insist upon a proper evaluation – one that takes account of all aspects of your child’s life – medical social academic psychological Consider ALL avenues of treatment – academic, psychosocial medical alternative Do not feel guilty about using medication if you feel confident in the medical evaluation and the advice you have received Do not be intimidated by “political correctness” Consider life style choices – social, economic Know your educational rights

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Recommendations for schools regarding children with ADD/ADHD

Whenever possible, special needs children will do better within regular classrooms Putting more adults in a classroom (ie. EA’s, volunteers, etc.) is good for all children, but especially those who need more immediate feedback and attention. Traditionally arranged classroom furniture can provide more structure than the “open” concept. Establish, destigmatize and encourage the use of quiet spaces in the classroom Standards must be tailored to individual children’s capabilities ADHD/ADD children generally do better with a […]

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What Is ADHD?

“The wildest colts make the best horses” (Themistocles 5oo BC) ADHD is a common behaviour disorder that affects approximately 10% of school age children. An analysis of the research suggests that boys are affected 3 times more often than girls, althought the reason for this is unknown. Children with ADHD are hyperactive, act impulsively and have trouble focusing on their responsibilities. Most children of course have these same tendencies, but children with ADHD present these […]

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Alcohol Abuse in College Age Women

The following data comes from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse in the U.S. (similar in Canada ? ? ?) In the 1960’s, only 7 % of American girls reported having their first alcoholic drink between the ages of 10 and 14. Today, nearly 1/4 of all American girls report beginning to drink before age 13. Over the past 50 years, the rate at which boys abuse alcohol has remained roughly constant. Over […]

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Adolescent Narcissism

Adolescence is the prime time for humans to become completely immersed in narcissism. Teens will often start sentences with the word “I” and end with “Me” with several good ‘My’s”, “Mine” and “Myself” sprinkled throughout. Any family decision will be deemed important only by how much it affects the teen. To the teenage mind, having to go someplace he/she doesn’t want to go is a complete waste of precious time that could be wisely spent […]

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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 psychiatrist recommended Rick to help us sort out behaviour management issues for our autistic son. He was an invaluable help.”

(C.C. – Sarnia)