How many times has this gone through your head? Your “difficult” child—the defiant one who’s constantly acting out and upsetting everyone—has just done it again. Maybe he’s called his little sister a foul name, smashed your favorite framed family photo, or screamed in your face. In a moment of defeat, you think, “What... Read more »
Stop and think for a moment: when your child or teen is in the throes of a tantrum or an all-out rage, what is your initial reaction? Do you get angry yourself and start yelling, do you freeze and say nothing, or do you become frightened and give in? Maybe your answer is even, “All... Read more »
Do you have a picture of what the holidays should look like? Most of us do whether we admit it or not. And when the reality doesn't match the expectation you have in your head, it feels awful. Parents of acting-out kids know this firsthand because the reality so often doesn't match their expectations. And... Read more »
There’s a calendar date parents of Oppositional Defiant kids often cling to: the 18th Birthday. That magical day when your child becomes an adult and you are no longer responsible for him — at least not legally. Sure, you’ll still be his parent. But things will be different! No more power struggles, disrespect or refusal... Read more »
What can you do when your defiant child just absolutely refuses to get up and go to school? For many parents of defiant children, this is an every-day event. Parents who have not experienced this kind of defiance may immediately respond, “I’d make my kid go!” But without using physical means, how would you do... Read more »
The start of every school year brings all sorts of images to mind: shopping for clothes and school supplies, getting back into a routine of dinner and bedtimes that may have become relaxed during summer, and relief from arguing siblings who have been stuck together 24/7 for the past three months. Many parents are relieved... Read more »
We’ve all heard the following phrases from our kids: “Stop touching me!” “Give that back!” “Knock it off!” “MOM, he took my stuff!” “DAD, she won’t stay on her side of the car!” Sometimes it’s simply annoying and frustrating, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Other times, arguments cross the line into verbal and physical abuse. If... Read more »
If your child is acting out physically by abusing you or other family members, destroying property, or threatening others, then you may want to consider talking proactively with the police. This step to work collaboratively with the police before you actually need them can save you a great deal of grief down the road. We understand... Read more »
Recently, there have been several stories in the news about violence in children and what can—and should—be done about it. A five-year-old boy was taken out of his Kindergarten class in handcuffs in Indiana, and the same thing happened to a six-year-old girl in Louisiana. Talk shows and the news media have been hosting shows on... Read more »
"It started out with my daughter yelling 'NO' whenever she didn't get her way when she was a toddler. Then when she got into elementary school, she started throwing things and slamming doors any time she didn't get what she wanted. I thought it was just a phase. Over time, it got to a point... Read more »