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

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

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

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

"The thing that impresses me most about North America is the way parents obey their children"    (King Edward VII , 1841-1910)

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.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

Removing a child from a traumatic environment does not remove the trauma from the child's memory.

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

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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Causes of Depression in Teens

CAUSES
  • not clearly understood
  • no consensus
  • interaction between: – brain chemistry – genetic vulnerability, life events, coping skills

 
 
There is no gene or gene cluster, no one environmental factor or a single loss or traumatic event that triggers major depression.
 
 
 
Very conscientious, perfectionist types appear to be more prone to depression than their easy going peers.


 
 
Major depressive disorder  usually spontaneously passes within 2 years.
 
 
 
 
It has a tendency to reoccur in later years.


 
 

All people have ups and downs in life. When doctors diagnose depression they mean:

  • a profoundly depressed mood
  • significant impairment

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

(C.C. – Sarnia)