Christine Matthews

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What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can cause a child to frequently exhibit anger, irritability, and defiance against their parents and other authority figures. Children with this disorder often argue and act spitefully or vindictively, making it difficult to maintain relationships and causing issues at home, at school, and in other areas of life.

ODD Causes & Risk Factors

Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes oppositional defiant disorder, but studies suggest that it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A child may have a higher risk of developing ODD if their parents are mentally unstable, neglectful, or abusive, or if the discipline they receive at home or school is inconsistent.

ODD Treatment Options

After diagnosing a child with oppositional defiant disorder, a medical provider will recommend a customized course of treatment. This often involves individual- and family-based therapy. A therapist can help the child manage their anger, express their feelings in a healthier way, solve problems, and improve their social skills, and they can also teach parenting skills. Although medication isn’t generally used to treat ODD on its own, it may be recommended if the child has a related condition (for example, ADHD, anxiety, or depression).

Get Help With ODD

If your child has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, we may be able to help. We have extensive experience working with children who have ODD, and we offer both individual and family therapy sessions to help treat this disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

Filed Under: Children, odd

What Is Conduct Disorder?

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If your child regularly misbehaves, you may have wondered whether they’re simply acting out or suffering from conduct disorder. But what is conduct disorder, exactly, and how can you tell whether your child has it?

Conduct disorder is a mental health condition that can cause various behavioral and emotional problems involving a disregard for others. Individuals with conduct disorder often find it difficult to obey rules and conform to behavioral norms, and some even act violently.

What Are the Symptoms of Conduct Disorder?

Conduct disorder symptoms tend to worsen with age, with adolescents and teenagers often taking part in more dangerous and potentially criminal activities. Only a trained provider can accurately diagnose conduct disorder, but with that said, many people with this condition:

  • Act aggressively (e.g., assault, bite, hit, kick, or push)
  • Break curfew
  • Bully
  • Cheat
  • Commit arson
  • Drink or use drugs
  • Hurt animals
  • Lie
  • Manipulate
  • Pick fights
  • Run away from home
  • Skip school
  • Steal
  • Threaten
  • Trespass
  • Vandalize

While it’s normal for many children to display at least some of these behaviors as they’re growing up, they may have conduct disorder if the behaviors occur frequently, continue for an extended period of time, or are particularly intense. Notably, in many cases, individuals with conduct disorder find it difficult to express their emotions and empathize with others. They rarely feel remorse and tend to blame others for their own faults.

Get Help With Conduct Disorder

If you think your child might have conduct disorder, you need an experienced therapist who can guide you through diagnosis and any necessary treatment. Luckily, you can entrust your child’s care to our knowledgeable team. We have extensive experience working with children with conduct disorder and we can provide you with the help your family needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Children, conduct disorder

How to Bring Up Resilient Children

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Have you heard the phrase “helicopter parent?” It describes a mother or father that ‘hovers’ around their child 24/7, overseeing their life to keep them from every potential danger, pitfall and mishap. It looks good on paper, but this kind of parenting forgets one important fact of reality: life happens.

Adversity happens to all of us. Those children who engage with adversity in their formative years learn how to handle it well and come up with strategies and solutions. These are the kids that grow up to be resilient, getting right back up when life knocks them down a few pegs.

 

Here are some ways parents can raise resilient children:

Plant the Right Mindset

How your child sees the world and their own potential in it directly informs how they make decisions. Teach them a positive and empowering mindset from the beginning. Teach them that failure does not exist, only learning what works and what doesn’t. Failing grades and losing games aren’t the end of the world, though they may feel like it. What really matters is the commitment and effort they put into reaching their goal.

Don’t Meet Their Every Need

A child will never be able to develop their own coping strategies if someone is there every second making sure they never become hurt or disappointed. Do your best to NOT overprotect your children and give them some space to figure it out all on their own.

Help Your Children Connect

Social children who are well connected to others feel a sense of support and resilience. Authentic relationships provide a safe space and a person to talk to about their feelings. Help socialize your child as soon as possible so they can form deep connections on their own as they grow.

Let Them Take Some Risks

All parents want to keep their kids safe, but there comes a point when you’ve got to let go a bit and let them learn HOW to be safe on their own. For instance, one day your child will need to get their driver’s license. You can help that older child be a safe driver by allowing their younger self to ride their bicycle around the neighborhood. This will teach them to pay attention, look both ways, etc.

Teach Them the Right Skills

Instead of focusing on the ‘danger’ or uncomfortableness of a situation, teach your child how to navigate it. For instance, if he or she is going away to summer camp for the first time, brainstorm some ideas of how they can learn to be comfortable away from home. Pack their favorite blanket. Talk to them about calling you at certain times to check in. Teach them how to solve their own problems. This is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.

 

Resiliency isn’t something that’s automatically handed down to kids; it’s something that must be instilled and molded over time. Planting these seeds now will set your child up for success in their future.

Filed Under: Adolescents/Teens, Children