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If it  was going to be easy to raise kids, it never would have started with something called "labour".

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

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Don't wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

Learn more.

FASD and Early Adolescence (13-17 years)

The 2 main goals for parents during this stage are:

1.to prepare the young person to associate , identify and become a part of his community

2. to begin separation from parents

Guidelines for Parents

  1. expect “normal” teen behaviour – clothes, hair style, music, etc (choose your battles wisely)
  2. expect your teen to resist your “help” or “advice” (it’s normal)
  3. teens frequently become socially isolated – rejected by peer group
  4. your teen may gravitate to a negative peer group that encourages high risk behaviour
  5. your child will still require extensive learning assistance
  6. he / she may begin to realize the extent of their limitations

– unable to babysit

– unable to pass driver’s test

– can’t keep up with peers

7. he / she may begin to actually grieve at his own sense of loss and the permanence of the                                  disabilities

8. parents must move towards “letting go” – summer camp may be a good start

9. problems within the marriage sometimes surface at this point

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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 daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)