Living With A Child With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a scary ordeal to undergo whether you are a new parent or a seasoned one. The challenges are endless, but it’s possible to get through it. Develop a positive plan for behavior, discipline, and consequences and be consistent. This won’t change your child’s behavior overnight but will begin to grow and expand as you build your child’s skills and emotional resources. Find out what ODD is and the various ways to help make life with a child who has this condition a bit easier to manage. All of this information should help parents feel quite a bit more confident moving forward.

What Is ODD?

Oppositional defiant disorder is an affliction affecting 10.2 percent of all children. All kids will act out, but what makes children with ODD different is parents will notice a pattern of behavior. These behaviors will manifest in many ways, but will largely be comprised of disobedience, anger, irritable moods, hostile and defiant actions, and argumentative conduct.

Children won’t always display all of the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. Some afflictions may come and go, and some may be more severe than others. It’s important to record what behaviors you see in your child so you can come up with the best strategy.

Some typical behaviors parents will want to be on the lookout for are challenging authority, lying, blaming others, becoming easily annoyed or annoying others, and low self-esteem. This isn't a comprehensive list of behaviors, however, but just a few of the most common examples.

Keep reading to learn the importance of paying attention to your child's behavioral signs.

Know Your Child’s Signs

It is key that a parent knows their child’s signs, and can already tell when and if their child is going to act out or is going to indulge in any negative behavior. Recognize the basic signs of ODD, such as excessive arguing, your child appears annoyed or irritated and deliberately attempts to annoy or upset others, as these are clear signs that they are trying to elicit a reaction from you and others, as well as the buildup to a possible meltdown.

Don’t force certain issues or discipline your child too harshly if you notice that they are exhibiting signs of fatigue, hunger, or are feeling sick. This will not only add to your frustration levels, but it will not benefit your child as they will not learn any positive behavior or change their attitude. Rather, compromise with your child to find a solution together that works at that moment. If your child is clearly agitated, frustrated, and overwhelmed, back off and let them cool down and then revisit the situation once both you and your child are in a more calmstate of mind.

Next, find out how a parent's reaction to their child's behavior can make all the difference.