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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.

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

The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. (Peggy O'Mara)

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

"Moody" and "unpredictable" are adjectives parents will often use when referring to their teenagers.

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

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

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

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

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.

Teen Issues 1

Parents of teenagers face numerous issues and struggles. It is no wonder they become discouraged, overwhelmed, angry or confused. Rick has ideas how to help.

  •  disrespectful attitude towards parents, family and others
  • challenges requests or rules
  • self-absorbed
  • unable to see things from another’s perspective
  • lazy and careless about responsibilities
  • has a negative attitude toward school
  • is emotionally withdrawn and distant
  • picks friends of whom parents disapprove
  • erupts in anger for minor reasons
  • lacks motivation for school, failing grades
  • neglects home chores and responsibilities
  • moody
  • mean to siblings
  • detaches from family events
  • wants to be with peers only
  • lies and deceptive about activities
  • physically aggressive or destructive
  • skips school
  • abuses substances – alcohol, drugs, pornography
  • engages in sexual activity

The right intervention, given at the right time , in the right way, can make all the difference in the world.

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

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

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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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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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

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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)