welcome image

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

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

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

We should not medicate the boys so they fit the school; we should change the school to fit the boy. (Leonard Sax, M.D. Ph.D)

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

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

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

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

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.

Learn more.

Suicide – Warning Signs

WARNING SIGNS
 
– depression
– previous suicide attempts
– suicide of someone close
– talking of suicide
– preoccupation with death
– giving away possessions
– saying “Good bye” to family & friends
– cryptic statements “You won’t have to worry about me  anymore”
– listening to sad music
– drawing morbid pictures
– statements indicating feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness
– statements about being a burden to others
– loss of interest in activities
– risky behaviour (eg. driving, alcohol, drugs)
– sudden distinct improvement in mood ( the decision to kill self may relieve the burden)
– the association between substance abuse and suicide is strong
 
 
 
But the warning signs can create a false impression of probability
 
Even the experts are unreliable for even the next 24 hours
 
Trust your instincts
 
Be extra cautious if:
                              – a peer is suicidal
                              – child gives away possessions
                              – a close relationship is lost
 
What is the best way to determine if someone is suicidal ? (answer – ask them!)

Back to Top

Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

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

Learn more

+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

Learn more

+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

Learn more

+ A Guided Tour of ADHD (now available online)

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and […]

Learn more

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

Archive


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)