Strategies for Coping With Oppositional Defiance Disorder

A child's tantrums, arguments or spiteful behavior are sometimes difficult to manage. Negative behavior is common for all children at some point, but when this behavior becomes routine and is disruptive to daily life Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) may be diagnosed. Strategies for coping with this disorder can help manage the overwhelming stress this causes both the child and the parent.

Does My Child Have ODD

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder is generally diagnosed by a medical professional specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children with ODD are prone to excessive tantrums, arguing, defiant behavior, outright refusal to follow rules, anger, spite and deliberate meanness. ODD behavior causes disruption of daily functioning and interferes with social, family and academic life.

Causes

• Understanding the causes of a child's ODD will help you begin to cope with this problem. In general, ODD does not occur alone. A child with ODD may be found to have Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mood disorder or anxiety disorder. Any underlying causes of ODD must first be addressed before the behavior of ODD can be improved.

Parent Strategies

• Reinforcement of positive behavior is a key element when coping with ODD children. Offer praise and rewards for cooperation and outline clear consequences for negative behavior. Do not engage in ongoing conflict and ignore escalations of negative behavior. Leave the room before engaging in a shouting match with your child. Most importantly, remain consistent in the way you treat your child and convey clear expectations.

Parent Training

• Receiving assistance is crucial for parents dealing with this condition. ODD training programs will help you form strategies specific to your situation as well as provide an outlet for much needed self care. Your mental health professional can suggest local support groups as well as available parent training classes. Working with others can help diffuse your own feelings of anxiety and helplessness in the face of this disorder.

Teacher Strategies

• Choose your battles wisely and focus only on behaviors that present a classroom problem, since the ODD student may present too many problems to be dealt with at once. Be sure to include the student in strategy planning for his or her classroom behavior in order to create a partnership between student and teacher. Listen without interrupting the student and communicate as much as possible with the parents. Always provide the student with options to empower them in decision making abilities. Finally, remember not to take defiance personally, as it is not a reflection on your teaching capabilities.