Parenting Defiant Teens

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is a diagnosis that is characterized by persistent tantrums, backtalk, inappropriate behavior and outright defiance and disrespect when it comes to authorities. Although a good segment of the teen population suffers from this disorder at some point, it is not “just a passing phase” or behavior that parents can afford to ignore.

Why? Oppositional defiant disorder does not get better with time; it gets worse.

A child who is diagnosed with this disorder will only get bigger, stronger, meaner and more rebellious as a teenager.

The best thing to do for a child who has this disorder is to get help and get it fast.

Treating the disorder usually requires behavioral therapy and/or medication.  Behavioral therapy is about making measurable changes in behavior. If you cannot afford a therapist or if you know that your child will refuse to go or will go but refuse to talk to the therapist, then it is best to get an at home behavioral program that you can use to help turn your teen around. This is essential because kids with oppositional defiant disorder often become criminals as adults. The program we recommend has been around for almost a decade and has helped more than 150,000 parents use a DIY approach to changing teen behavior at home. (A milder form of this disorder, called Conduct Disorder, can also be treated using the same methods.)

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

While this disorder may seem like it just describes a normal, independent-minded teenager and some level of rebellion is certainly normal during adolescence, what is abnormal is for a child to reject everyone around him (especially those who love him and want the best for him) and be chronically rebellious, disrespectful and defiant. Although you will see this behavior from time to time in normal teens, it is the consistency of the behavior and its duration that determines the diagnosis. Typically, a psychologist or therapist looks for a duration of six months or longer.

Other behaviors include constantly blaming others for things that are the teen’s responsibility, moodiness, direct disobedience, defiance toward authority figures, rage, throwing tantrums and getting poor grades in school.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder – The Cause & Treatment Options

No one really knows the cause of this disorder. Most parents blame themselves. They believe that they overindulged their child or made excuses for him when they should have made him take responsibility. Parents may think that a divorce or family problem led to chronic anger in their kid.

One thing is for certain, parenting style can be a factor. But this is a good thing because by changing the way you interact with your teen, you can change the way that he or she responds. By learning how to parent a teen with oppositional defiant disorder, you can turn that kid around. Hundreds of thousands of parents have done so with an at-home program called the Total Transformation.

This program is specifically geared to kids who have anger issues or who have been diagnosed with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. It teaches parents simple skills that they can use to create changes in their teen’s behavior. It also teaches you how to deal with your kid in a way that gets you off the emotional roller coaster ride of your teen’s moody ups and downs. Best of all, even though it works, it does not require a harsh or tough love approach.

Other choices include behavioral therapy in the office of a psychologist, therapist or counselor. If you go this route, make sure to get a recommendation because skill level can vary. Some therapists are smarter than others about breaking through the resistance and denial of a defiant teen. Depending upon the severity of your child’s symptoms and his receptivity to treatment, you may have to start with at least ten sessions, so check your insurance policy to find out what it covers.

Another possibility is military school or teen boot camp. These are expensive options, so make sure to do your research and check out the camp or school, learn about their track record of success and inquire about the techniques they use with oppositional teens.

So the choice is yours: therapy, boot camp or an at home behavioral program that you can use in the privacy of your home. If you’d like to try the at home program—The Total Transformation—their toll free number is 1-866-798-8629. Call this number and tell them that www.parentingdefiantteens.com sent you.