Defiant Oppositional Behavior in Children  

Defiant Oppositional Behavior in children is more commonly called Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD for short. This behavior in children can make a parent's life miserable.   This disorder is more than what we call the terrible two's.  If left unchecked the child could graduate to the more serious Conduct Disorder .  After the age of 18, a conduct disorder may develop into antisocial personality disorder, which is related to psychopathy 

Obviously symptoms are age appropriate.  At younger ages we will say 2 years old through 5 or 6 years old you may find this type of behavior .  These symptoms would include a child's defiant behavior by saying no without any reason, being overly selfish and disobeying authority without any apparent reason.   You might also see the child destroying property or toys without regard to ownership.    

Symptoms of adolescents may include verbal and physical aggression, cruel behavior toward people and pets, destructive behavior, lying, truancy, vandalism and stealing.  If you child graduates to this level you should seek professional medical help.  

You don't need to worry because only a small untreated percent of children develop Conduct Disorder.  Today treatment is readily available and in many cases can be treated by their parents in the home.  One of the keys is to diagnose the symptoms correctly.  Don't just assume your child has Defiant Oppositional Disorder.   

Your first step is to educate yourself.  There is plenty of material available to you to understand the exact symptoms and solutions. In most cases a good parenting management guide will give you the information you need to understand how to interact with your child.  The bad news is you maybe actually contributing to their defiant behavior. 

It is very important you do not give up on your child.  Each child is unique. The problems defiant behavior your child creates may be very simple to solve.  It is quite possible you may need to change your behavior.  Very few parents understand their child's behavior and what they are trying to tell you.  You are not alone.  Tens of thousands of parents have experienced this difficulty and found solutions.   

It is your responsibility as the adult to find the answers.  You need to look for the answers even if they may point to you.  Be honest with yourself and your child and you most likely with develop a happy loving relationship.  Tens of thousands of parents have. 

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