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

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

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

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.

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

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

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

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

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

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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FASD

FASD – What is it? it is damage to the brain and body the damage is caused by alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy it is the leading cause of mental retardation in North America its effects are irreversible and lifelong its effects vary from slight to devastating Characterized by: growth deficiency central nervous system dysfunction (ie. brain damage) special facial features (not always) body malformation (not always) Fetal Alcohol Related Problems have Significant […]

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An Adoptive Mother of a Child with FASD

“Children with FASD have permanent, irreversible brain damage – you do not outgrow it, and you cannot fix it, love it away, punish it away or ignore it away. You can however, provide the types of long-term intervention, support, structure and supervision that encourage, promote and allow adequate function” (Jan Lutke – adoptive mother of 12 children with FASD – British columbia)

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Diagnosing ADD/ADHD

Diagnosing ADD/ADHD is not as simple and straightforward as you would think it should be. There are no “hard” biological markers detectable by conventional diagnostic tests (example – Xrays, blood tests, MRIs, etc.) Diagnosis is usually made by observing a child and comparing his/her behavioural characteristics with those of other children. Parents, teachers and others who know the child well are asked to rate the child on various checklists and scales (examples – Conners, ACTeRs, […]

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Delayed Gratification

  “Compared to previous generations, young people are more likely to want lots of money and nice things but are less likely to say they’re willing to work hard to earn them.” (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin) A prime example of this is the number of children and teens who have their own smart phone, but do absolutely nothing to earn the privilege of the device. Those who don’t have a smart phone, […]

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Security Blankets

Many toddlers and preschoolers have a special blanket or stuffed toy that is very important to them. Researchers have found that these security items are appropriately named because they actually do provide a feeling of security for children. Approximately 60% of young children do have an attachment to a comforting blanket or toy. Children eventually outgrow their need for such items and parents should not force their child to give them up before they are […]

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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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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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

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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)