Oppositional Defiant Disorder Strategies: 8 Discipline Rules
Children with oppositional defiant disorder are blatantly disobedient, disrespectful, and confrontational. Standard discipline strategies don’t work. So what do you do? Follow the ODD strategies in this video to restore order to your home.
Children with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder take defiant behavior to the extreme. When traditional discipline methods don’t work, what do you do?
In this video, learn eight new discipline strategies for ADHD and ODD in children.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Strategies: 8 Discipline Rules for
Children with oppositional defiant disorder are blatantly disobedient, disrespectful, and confrontational.
Standard discipline doesn’t work. Instead, follow these strategies for how to discipline a child with oppositional defiant disorder:
1. Treat before you punish.
Never discipline your child for behaviors that are symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Opposition and defiance are sometimes neurological — not intentional. Once your treatment plan has impulsivity under control, you will know which acts are punishable.
2. Exercise away hostility.
A potent tonic for the brain is daily physical exercise for ADHD. It promotes healthy brain function and helps children control aggression.
3. Know your child’s patterns.
Note when and where your child’s anger flares. Documentation may help identify triggers and suggest effective interventions.
4. Be clear about rules and consequences.
Explain what behavior is expected, and exactly what consequences your child will face for breaking the rules. Then, consistently enforce those rules.
5. Stay cool-headed and under control.
Instead of overreacting – and teaching your child to fear mom or dad – breathe deep and be a model of how to behave when you’re upset.
6. Use a code word like ‘bubble gum.’
This is a private signal that tells your child to calm down. Your child can also use it to express that he is getting upset. Sometimes, just the words no and stop can push an emotional child over the edge.
7. Stay positive.
Boost your child’s self-esteem by “catching” him behaving well and by doling out praise.
8. Call in the professionals.
In some cases, you may need outside help to reset the pattern of disruptive behavior in your home.
Work with a behavioral psychologist to root out the cause of aggression.
More Oppositional Defiant Disorder Strategies and Tools
Self-Test: Could My Child Have Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
More Than Just Naughty: Dealing with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
