Parenting and Child Conduct Counseling

Welcome to a world where children seem to resist everything, and “no” is their favorite word! If you’re constantly locked in arguments or dealing with explosive tantrums that leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed, rest assured, you’re not alone. Many parents, just like you, find these behaviors incredibly challenging. You might be wondering if your child is dealing with something called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). This blog series provides guidance, support, and a beacon of hope as you navigate these turbulent waters. Stubbornness vs. ODD: Unraveling the Mystery All kids can be stubborn at times. They might resist cleaning their room, refuse to eat their vegetables, or protest bedtime. These are common scenarios that many parents can relate to. But this is usually a passing phase. They might get a little frustrated, but they eventually cooperate. ODD, however, is a different ball game. It’s when a child’s defiance and arguments become a daily struggle for at least six mont...

  In Part 1, we delved into the intricate factors contributing to your child’s defiance, including brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental influences. For instance, a child with a genetic predisposition to ODD may exhibit willful defiance in response to certain environmental stressors. It’s crucial to understand that while children with ODD may exhibit willful defiance, their behavior is often the result of a complex interplay between these factors, as well as difficulties with emotional regulation and impulse control. As we move to Part 2, our focus shifts from understanding the “why” to exploring the “how” – how to help your child thrive through effective treatment options. Parenting a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can be a daunting task. The emotional rollercoaster of anger, arguments, and defiance can strain your family dynamics. But there’s a silver lining: ODD is treatable, and with the right strategies and support, your child can learn to manage their ...

  In the first two parts of our series on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), we explored its causes and the powerful treatments available to help your child thrive. In Part 3, we'll focus on an essential aspect of managing ODD: rebuilding and strengthening the relationship between you and your child. Nurturing Connection: The Foundation for Overcoming ODD A strong, positive parent-child relationship isn't just a nice bonus; it's a fundamental cornerstone for addressing ODD. Research consistently demonstrates that the quality of this relationship plays a pivotal role in reducing challenging behaviors, even more so than the specific family structure (e.g., single-parent vs. two-parent households). A recent study of over 4,600 adolescents revealed that teens from single-parent households were less likely to engage in delinquency when they had a strong bond with their parents. This underscores a critical truth: fostering a loving and supportive connection with your child is p...

In our previous blog posts, we explored the complexities of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and the importance of building a solid parent-child relationship. This installment will delve into effective communication, a Parent Management Training (PMT) cornerstone. To better understand why certain behaviors occur, we'll introduce the ABC model, a helpful tool for analyzing and addressing challenging situations. Before discussing how to give directions your child will follow, I would like to introduce a model to help us understand how and why behavior happens. The model is called the ABC or Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence Model. This construct may be challenging to follow. If you have any questions about the model, ask your therapist or submit the question on the message board.  The ABC Model: Understanding Behavior as a Chain Reaction All behavior, from the most straightforward actions to complex emotional responses, occurs as a reaction to something that happ...