How to Cope With Oppositional Defiance Disorder

Children suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, often demonstrate an ongoing pattern of hostile, uncooperative behavior towards authority figures. The symptoms of ODD include frequent tantrums, failure to take responsibility for misbehavior and refusal to cooperate with requests or orders, all of which can disrupt the child's social, home and school life. Making strategic parenting decisions and enlisting the help of teachers and other professionals can help parents and guardians cope with ODD.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Counseling or ODD support group

1. Develop a plan that will allow you to quickly and efficiently put the child in "time out" whenever she becomes defiant. Time outs can help the child to calm down, regroup and begin to behave appropriately again.

2. Stay calm when the child demonstrates oppositional behavior. In addition to not further aggravating the situation, doing so will set an example of appropriate behavior for the child.

3. Make an effort to praise your child often. Focus on the child's good behaviors as opposed to dwelling on the bad ones. Emphasizing the latter can hurt the child's self esteem.

4. Be forgiving of your child's past oppositional behavior and let go of any negative feelings that result.

5. Work with the child's school teachers to ensure that his ODD does not prevent him from succeeding in school. The school may be able to tailor the environment to the child's needs. Examples include placing him in a smaller classroom, providing him with assistance from an instructional or behavioral professional, and having him sit near the teacher or in an area containing minimal disruptions.

6. Care for your own mental health by participating in counseling sessions or join an ODD support group, both of which can help you learn more about raising an oppositional child. Managing your stress and depression is an important way of avoiding potential disengagement from your child, which can lead further exacerbate oppositional behavior.

7. Do not forget to take time for yourself. This can include exercising, having alone time, developing a hobby or planning an outing with your spouse. Time away from the child can help reduce arguments and lead to a healthier interaction.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry: Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• "The Parenting Skills Treatment Planner"; Sarah Edison Knapp and Arthur E. Jongsma; 2005

[mechelle003]

on 11/14/2009 great article. I take care of children in my home and have had several foster children with this. It can be very stressful.