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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.

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

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

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

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

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

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.

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

Whining and crying are employed by kids for the purpose of getting something. If it works, then it was worth the effort and will be repeated.

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

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FASD- Early Adolescence – guidelines for teachers

  1. the FASD adolescent still requires consistency, strong academic supports, and patience
  2. hormones are present but without the boundaries & social skills
  3. the teen may appear to be functioning higher than he really is
  4. sequencing problems may still persist
  5. teen will require immediate feedback
  6. other emotional problems may coexist

– depression

– eating disorder

– suicide ideation

– emotional alienation

  • outrageous behaviours may continue (eg. temper tantrums)
  • school suspensions

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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

“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”

(A.N. – Tillsonburg)