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

Being a parent of a teenager can cure a person of narcissism.

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

The quickest way to change your child’s behaviour is to first change your own.

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

There has been an explosion in the prescribing of medication for very young children, particularly preschool and kindergarten boys (Juli Zito , Univ. of Maryland)

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

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

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.

Children today are under enormous pressures rarely experienced by their parents or grandparents. Many of today's children are being enticed to grow up too quickly and are encountering challenges for which they are totally unprepared.

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Handling a “Manipulative” Tantrum

don’t give in unless your original demand/denial is unreasonable if it is unreasonable, be prepared to change your mind you must send a message that tantrums don’t work if you give in, you are reinforcing tantrums your attitude should be “firm” do not be too sympathetic – avoid saying “I’m sorry you’re upset and crying, perhaps you can have a lollipop later” but rather “You cannot have a lollipop, that’s all there is to it” […]

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The History of Ritalin and ADHD

In 1937, a psychiatrist by the name of Charles Bradley prescribed amphetamines to 32 children with behaviour problems who were suffering from extreme headaches as a result of a procedure called pneumoencephalography (ie. spinal tap – analyzing fluid in the spine). He was hoping the amphetamines would relieve the pain. The amphetamine (benzedrine) did little for the headaches, but teachers noted 17 of the children experienced a striking improvement in their school work and behaviour. […]

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Living with a Child with ADHD

Children with ADHD can create chaos throughout the entire family, stressing everyone in the process. The morning routine and homework are frequent and lengthy sources of dissension. Siblings are often resentful of the time and special treatment given to the ADHD child. Parents may argue over the “best” strategy  (a difficult problem because no strategies are even close to perfect) . ADHD is an “executive dysfunction”. LIFE WITH AN ADHD CHILD IS NOT EASY!

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“Executive Dysfunction” and ADHD

“Executive dysfunction” means an individual has difficulty “stopping” and taking the time to think through the possible consequences of an action and selecting one that is best. Another way of saying this is the child is very “impulsive”. By definition a child with ADHD has “executive dysfunction”. Our goal in helping him is to get him to “stop” long enough for the executive function to kick in. There are a number of approaches to facilitate […]

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Helping a Teen Moderate Stress

  HELPING A TEEN MODERATE & MANAGE STRESS                           “SPIT”  HAPPENS !   1. Listen                                   – without judging                   – try to understand and appreciate their concern                   – if event resulted from bad behaviour or poor judgment – it’s vital to avoid making matters worse by berating and punishing                         […]

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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

“We are foster parents who took in a 13 year old girl (going on 18!) and she ran us through the wringer. Rick helped us learn how to set limits that made the difference.”

(G.E. – Strathroy)