Helping Your Child Overcome Oppositional Defiance

Most children go through a stage when their favorite word is “no”. At two, toddlers try to assert their independence by refusing to do what they are told to do. As children grow up, this defiance mellows, but it surges right back when they become adolescents. However, there is a line between the usual resistance to authority and the excessive, often exhausting condition called oppositional defiance. The former gets resolved as children mature while the latter needs careful attention.

Oppositional Defiance and when it is detected

If your two year old, at times, does not want to drink medicine, refuses to share toys, or wants to keep playing when it is time to sleep, your child is merely displaying expected behavior. Resistance can only be classified as oppositional defiance when hostility, disobedience, defiance, anger, irritability, and arguing become a regular behavioral pattern towards parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Oppositional defiance is also referred to as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

The earliest signs of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) come around the time when children reach preschool age, or sometime before they reach their teens. Certain behaviors will show that a child has ODD, if these behaviors occur persistently.

Signs that Indicate Oppositional Defiance

Children with oppositional defiant disorder lose their temper often, and they are often irritable. They are resentful, angry and are easily annoyed. They are also argumentative about even minor things.

They openly refuse to obey rules or to comply with requests; they frequently blame others for their mistakes. It is not unusual for children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) to intentionally annoy others.

All children will display these behaviors at one time or another, but if these behaviors occur on a majority of days over a six-month period, it is a strong indication that it can be a matter of concern. These behaviors are indicative of oppositional defiant disorder in children over the age of five if these behaviors occur around once a week for a six-month period.

Sometimes parents are unable to detect oppositional defiance in their children because the symptoms can occur only in certain settings. Some only indulge in tantrums or arguments at home, but are perfectly behaved in school. Some will show symptoms only in two settings.

Helping a Child with Oppositional Defiance

If you think your child may have oppositional defiance or oppositional defiant disorder, a wise first step to take would be to seek professional assistance. There is no need for you to go through this challenge alone. All you need to do is get in touch with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay Varina, NC and you will get an individually contracted counselor to give you and your child the support you need.

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