4 Key Advices to Deal With Defiant Child Behavior

1. Always apply right away a negative consequence to a bad behavior and a positive consequence to a good behavior. Parents tend to forget to reward their child's good behavior but if it takes an effort to your child and therefore has to be rewarded. Also, it's a great way to make your child choose to have a good behavior. He'll notice he can have a much nicer life by acting in a good way.

2. Give the choice to your child. Don't say "put this on" or "do this right now". Don't give orders, give choices. "The white shirt or the blue one". Stick to the choices you give. Repeat yourself if necessary.

3. Staying calm and firm is extremely important. Your outbursts will only worsen the situation.

4. Be consistent and your child will notice you never give in and that he'll never get what he wants by insisting or being defiant or annoying.

Often, defiant child behavior comes from an Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) which requires a real change in your own parenting behavior. Therefore, to prevent such behavior from being carried into adulthood by your child, the rules have to be settled as early as possible. Within those limits, and if they are explained and understood by your child, he'll grow up with values and will be able to handle problems. This is how to be a better parent.

If you're interested, I launched a website with some parents after we selected a selection of effective parenting programs and reviewed them. Just follow the link to start learning crucial parenting guidelines. Acting upon the situation is your best option! Good luck!