How Do You 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. 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. 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. Make an effort to praise your child often. Focus on the child’s good behaviors as opposed
