A child with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder can be very difficult for parents. Visitors to this site have submitted tips for helping children with disruptive behavior disorders, and for helping the parents struggling to deal with these children.
For more tips please see the BPhoenix pages on parenting children with ADHD and bipolar disorder.
| Tips for Helping Children: |
Set up reasonable, age appropriate rules and limits. Be certain consequences are enforced consistently.
Always bring attention to the positives. Give the child praise and positive reinforcement whenever cooperation or healthy behavior is shown.
Allow and encourage your child to take a time-out to prevent overreacting, aggressiveness, and/or violence.
Develop and maintain a predictable, consistent, daily schedule of activity that takes your both your child's and your own needs into consideration.
Help your child identify what sources of stress and anxiety that might be making symptoms worse.
Take signs of depression and suicidal ideation very seriously every time they are displayed.
Encourage your child to become involved in tasks and physical activities that provide a healthy outlet for stored up energy and stress.
Make certain your child gets plenty of sleep every single night.
Tell your child how much they are loved, even when you start to doubt it yourself.
| Tips for Helping Parents: |
Take a time out if one is needed. Sometimes walking away is the only safe thing you can do for you and your child.
Do not ever feel guilty for needing time to yourself. Use family members, respite, and state services whenever necessary.
Find your own source of support. Join a local or online support group. If you cannot find one - do not be afraid to start one.
Find activities that you enjoy that do not involve your child.
Attend therapy both with and without your child.
Never forget to reward yourself as much as possible. Parenting a child with odd or cd is hard.
Do you have a tip you would like to share? If so,
email me and I will include it here on this page.
