Conduct labeled as oppositional is typically linked to the teenage years and especially with out of control teenagers. Yet, for a number of kids this problem occurs at a much earlier phase in their development. Naturally, most children are oppositional every once in awhile throughout their childhoods. Yet a number of kids have a considerably tougher time than others dealing with their feelings. This has a tendency to cause them to be oppositional on a far more consistent basis.
This in many instances brings about a diagnosis of ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. And when you combine this condition with the challenges of the adolescent years, you are more likely to wind up with out of control teenagers. This could be a nightmare for a number of parents who have to cope with adolescents through this already aggravating childhood phase.
Additional Problems with Behavioral Disorders
It is also crucial to understand that quite often this diagnosis goes hand in hand with various other behavioral disorders, for instance ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). Adding additional triggers to the mix only exacerbates the challenges associated with raising troubled teenagers, which usually ends up making the job of child-rearing that much more challenging.
When it comes to youngsters with ODD, we frequently find conduct that is uncooperative, rebellious and aggressive toward more or less all authority figures. Indicators and symptoms often include repeated temper tantrums, intense disagreements with grown ups, questioning rules, accusing other people for their own misbehavior or problems in addition to recurring rage and animosity. Just like I said earlier, sounds a lot like out of control teens if you ask me. What do you think?
The good news is many parents who have kids with one or more of these disorders will quite likely cultivate parenting knowledge which will be of great help to them when their youngsters do reach the adolescent phase. In order to survive any childhood conduct disorder, parents will have to learn tips on how to handle their youngsters and contend with these kinds of difficult occurrences straight away. These are valuable child-rearing methods that will also help enable parents to get through the teen years as well.
A Few Helpful Suggestions
Even though parenting ODD teenagers is often an uphill challenge for moms and dads, you’ll want to stay focused and assist your adolescent through challenging times by following a few simple principles and suggestions.
Set Limits
Establish age appropriate rules and consequences and implement them consistently.
Expand on the Positive
Continuously expand on the positive and show your adolescent positive encouragement and reinforcement when they show co-operation or are responsive to requests.
Engage in Your Own Personal Self Control
Learn to engage in self control if you believe you are making the situation worse, not better. It is far better for your teenager to model themselves by your example of good conduct, not that of a hot headed adult. Furthermore, if your teen makes the decision to take a time out on their own, certainly offer positive compliments and reward for doing so.
Pick Your Battles
Choose your battles wisely. Youngsters with ODD have a tough time averting power struggles, so prioritize just what it truly is that you want your teenager to do.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Keep on top of your personal stress and anxiety with exercise, balanced eating and respite getaways when needed.
Build a Good Support System
You need to maintain hobbies and interests other than your child with ODD. You’ll find it much easier to cope if you have a network of other individuals to reach out to for your own support and also others that help you deal with your youngster. A good support network is important.
Coping with out of control teenagers is stressful enough. But when you add in a behavioral disorder the problems are greatly compounded. Make sure you stay focused and always reach out for the help and support you need.