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

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

"To be a man, a boy must see a man."  (J.R. Moehringer)

Children fare better when expectations on them are clear and firm.

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

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

Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

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

Setting limits teaches your children valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives. One day, they will report to a job where their ability to follow rules will dictate their success.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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Consequencing Teenagers

Identifying and following through on appropriate consequences is a major part of the job description for parents of teenagers. A consequence for inappropriate behaviour typically involves one of two options: a) removing a desirable (example – removal of computer privileges) b) adding an undesirable (example – adding a chore) Removing something the teen wants is usually more effective and easier to administer and monitor than adding something he/she doesn’t want. An effective consequence must involve […]

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The Teenage Brain

 THE TEENAGE BRAIN   Adolescence is one of the times in an individual’s life when the greatest brain development is occurring.   – brain changes in size and shape – gray matter thickens – increase in synaptic connections between brain cells – specialization within brain occurs – “pruning” of pathways – sex hormones impact on brain   Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that facilitate the transmission of messages along nerve cells (billions of messages […]

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Temper Tantrum (statistics)

1 year old       =     14% have tantrums daily 2-3 years old =     20% have tantrums daily 4 years old     =     11% have tantrums daily 5-6 years old =     5% have tantrums daily Adults have tantrums, but we usually say they’re “making a scene” Tantrums can occur at any time or place, but there are certain places where they are more likely or […]

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Temper Tantrums

Tantrums are a normal and healthy part of the developing process for children. They are sometimes the only way a little one can tell us they disagree, feel frustrated, are tired or hungry or overwhelmed or bored. Their language skills and understanding of feelings and relationships have not developed to the point where intense feelings can be expressed in more acceptable ways. Tantrums first appear at about 1 year of age and usually ease up […]

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Consequencing Teenagers

Identifying and following through on appropriate consequences is a necessary but challenging task   for many parents of teenagers . A consequence for inappropriate behaviour typically involves one of two directions: a) removing a desirable ( example – removal of computer privileges) b) adding an undesirable (example – extra chores) Removing something the teen wants is usually more effective than adding something he/she doesn’t want. Why? – often the teenager is already involved in a […]

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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)