Help for the Oppositional Child / Oppositional Disorder
Finally some help for the oppositional child! Are you wondering if your three-year-old has or is experiencing an oppositional disorder? Your entourage tells you that yes, most likely? Keep in mind that in the vast majority of cases, these are temporary oppositional phases that are often essential to the normal development of children. One of the first criteria to consider before suspecting Oppositional Disorder is the fact that the oppositional symptoms have lasted for at least 6 months and that they greatly affect the child's activities of daily living.
I know how frustrating it can be to raise a child who often objects to instructions and rules, who seems to be in constant defiance mode. In many cases, a simple instruction such as: do homework, pick up toys, get dressed for school, can turn into an epic argumentative battle. These simple instructions can often be met with an outright refusal after you've tried everything to regain control of the situation.
- Have you read all the books on disciplining children, on caring approaches?
- Have you tried intentional ignoring, withdrawal?
- Wondering why your ways that have proven successful with your other children don't work with your latest?
- Is "no" the word you use most often?
- Have you become an expert in strategies and tricks, but without the success you were hoping for?
- Are you wondering if you should talk to your doctor about getting medication for your child?
Often, the fact that parents are emotionally involved affects the quality of interventions. It is tempting to think that things will eventually settle down and go away on their own, that time and the child's growing maturity will have an effect and that this will overcome their opposition. Sometimes this is the case, but in many other cases, situations set in, bad habits are formed and opposition becomes second nature to the child. It becomes what they know and do best.
I recommend that you seek my professional services early, as early intervention yields results in a shorter time frame than late intervention. By calling upon my expertise in family coaching, you will realize that it is also possible to turn things around and regain the family harmony you desire, and in many cases, within a short time frame.
