ODD and Tantrums

A simple request by an authority figure can often trigger this defiant behavior and tantrums. The child, though, will deliberately seek out confrontation by being deliberately disruptive. Children with ODD blame others for their behavior or mistakes and have low self esteem.

Parents report seeing their children with oppositional defiant disorder as rigid and demanding even when very little.

Behaviors typically exhibited by children with oppositional defiant disorder include:

• Often gets angry
  
• Often argues with adults
  
• Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
  
• Often deliberately annoys people
  
• Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
  
• Is often super sensitive or easily bothered by others
  
• Is often angry and resentful
  
• Is often spiteful or vindictive

ODD children become frustrated and angry when they do not get their way. They lose their tempers easily, and having a tantrum can occur suddenly and with very little warning.

If you notice a sign of an upcoming tantrum, a quick distraction can help avoid confrontation. warning signs are observed then a distraction may avoid a confrontation. Temper tantrums are frequent and extreme lasting many hours.

It is important to remain neutral when dealing with tantrums as becoming frustrated and angry yourself will just increase the intensity of the tantrum.

If your intervention is not helping or exacerbating the situation then use a "time out" to calm the situation down. Praise and support your child if they decide to take a time out from a confrontation. Give them the space to relax and calm themselves.

Discipline needs to be consistent with firm boundaries and limitations while considering age and appropriate consequences for misbehavior. It is easy to give in for a quiet time but it is important to be consistent and to follow words with actions.

Pick your battles in order to avoid unnecessary confrontation, focus on what you want your child to do rather than getting sidetracked onto other issues. Consequences should be limited to those that can be consistently reinforced and last for the least amount of time possible.

For example having given a time out for disruptive behavior doesn't add time for arguing. Concentrate on carrying out the time out. Trying to discuss the problem rationally can often retrigger the argument. It is therefore important to avoid doing this once the tantrum is over, as it may cause further confrontation.

Praise and reinforce positive behavior. Recognizing good behavior is just as important as discipline for disruptive behavior. Praise is not only a positive experience for both you and the child but helps to teach your child what is acceptable and how they should behave. Praising even minor behaviors such as cooperation and flexibility can help to build self-esteem.

Find ways to interact positively with your child, while teaching them to communicate their emotions in a calm way. This can be done through fun word games and games where the child is the leader and gets to play the authority figure they often rebel against. This will help the child to better understand his parents and teachers view points and help them to become more cooperative.

Spending time on other interests and other family members allows you to take a break from the demands of raising a child with oppositional defiant disorder and gives you a chance to relax and manage your own stress.

Many parents feel they neglect their partners and other children because they have to focus all their attention on managing their child's behavior. Taking a break doesn't mean you are neglecting your child. By taking a break you will be better able to deal with your child's behavior than if you didn't take time to relax occasionally.

Seeking help and advice from professionals and other parents with children that have oppositional defiant disorder allows you to build up an essential support network to help you better cope with your child's behavior.

Rather than feeling you and your partner have been left to raise and deal with your child's behavior alone, you will gain advice and knowledge about how to treat and improve your child's condition. You will consequently be better equipped to cope with your child's tantrums.