Many parents deal with rebellious behaviors from their children everyday. Of course, it is only normal for children to rebel at times, but when does the defiance begin to be too much? What many parents might not know is that their child may have a serious disorder. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a unique interaction of ill-fitting temperaments that can occur at home, at school, and within the community. "Five to fifteen percent of all school-age children have ODD" (AACAP). Untreated, ODD has a significant impact between parents and the child.
"Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months, during which four (or more) of the following are present:
1. Often loses temper.
2. Often argues with adults.
3. Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules.
4. Often deliberately annoys people.
5. Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior.
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An infant6. Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others.
7. Is often angry and resentful.
8. Is often spiteful or vindictive.
It is important to note that a counselor or therapist will consider a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level" (Kathi).
My son was diagnosed with this disorder at age six. Since age two, I encountered almost every behavior stated above, on a daily basis. I listened to what everybody else was saying and concluded that he was just a bad kid. There were many times when the behavior began to be unbearable. Learning how to deal with this disorder and learning how to use my parenting skills more strategically, has extremely helped me. In dealing with this type of situation, I have learned that...