ADDitude asked: What are your best strategies for parenting a child with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
“Reward charts for good behavior; redirection for poor behavior.” -Sheri, Pennsylvania
“Choose your battles carefully, and find humor in every situation.” -Robin, Colorado
[Self-Test: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children]
“Both parents need to support each other and be on the same page.” -An ADDitude Reader
“Disengage when he is out of control, wait for the “crazy” to stop, and re-approach.” -Cheryl, New Jersey
“Have structure at home, stay consistent in discipline, remove privileges immediately for defiance, and make the child responsible for his own actions. At the same time, show him lots of love and reward him for little things every day.” -Jessica, Idaho
“Find out what she is interested in. It’s hard to force defiant kids to do just anything. But if they are passionate about something, you can guide them in that direction.” -Sarah, Ontario, Canada
[Your Free Guide to Ending Confrontations and Defiance
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“Including my teenage son in the conversation and allowing him to help formulate a plan gives him ownership of his behavior.” -Stephanie, New York
“Hope. It is imperative to believe in yourself and to see your child as an “asset” to the world.” -Ruth Ann, Ohio
“I am strong-willed as well, so it has been a battle of the wills. But instead of trying to change my daughter, I changed myself. It wasn’t easy, but when she became defiant, I said to myself, “I will not buy a ticket to this show.” I ignored her, no matter how she tried to pull me in. She stopped almost immediately.” -Ramona, Florida
“Therapy — for myself.” -Jennifer, Arizona
[Why Is My Child So Angry and Defiant? An Overview of Oppositional Defiant Disorder]