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Have you ever felt like all you do is argue with your
kids – it doesn’t matter what you say, how you say it,
when you say it, your child just does the opposite. While
most kids will resist parental authority from time to time
there’s also a disorder that could be the root cause of
their defiant and belligerent behaviour. Oppositional
defiant disorder (ODD) is a real thing and according to
professionals includes excessive, often persistent anger,
frequent temper tantrums or angry outbursts, as well as
disregarding authority.
Often confused with ADHD, children suffering from
ODD battle to take accountability for their own actions.
Regardless of how blatant their behaviour may be,
they always blame someone else. A child with ODD
purposefully annoys other people. They become fixated
on poking at others. Revenge is big in their lives and when
things don’t go to plan they’ll deliberately seek revenge
instead of looking at other possible solutions.
Any child might be strong willed at some stage or
another and will kick up a fuss, but ODD goes beyond
strong will and includes at least four negative
behaviour traits at one time, seen over a
period of at least six months. These might
include angry and irritable moods, an
argumentative attitude, defiant reactions,
and vindictive and vengeful behaviour.
ODD is not just bad behaviour and
kids who are struggling with it will not
discriminate: everyone is fair game, not
just family members and those close to them.
They’ll cause problems wherever they are and not
just at home.
Educational psychologists are equipped to deal
with ODD. If you feel you’re losing the battle with your
child’s behaviour, you should contact a professional who
will assist you through the stress and provide you with
effective coping mechanisms.WHEN DEFIANCE
BECOMES A DISORDER
Children with
ODD are often
continually
spiteful and
vindictive over
a six-month
period.We live in a competitive world where many people strive to ‘keep
up with the Joneses’. This lifestyle trend applies to children too
and often they’ll fall prey to bullying and verbal attacks from
kids who are either envious of what they don’t have, or boastful
of what they have that’s better. Whatever the circumstances,
your kids can end up feeling hurt, depressed or just not good
enough. There’s not much you can do as a parent to stop it
from happening, but you can help your child not to sink into
depression. The most important thing you can do in these
situations is teach through love. As tough as it may be, reacting
in anger won’t help.
Focus on encouraging them and letting them know how
special they are. No matter how trivial something may seem to
you, it may mean everything to your child in that moment. Make
time to discuss the situation and let them know you’re there
for them. It doesn’t matter if another child has the latest toy or
goes on every holiday under the sun, reminding your child of the
positives in your family can help divert their thoughts and focus.Shooshoos has launched its new
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