If you dread the telephone ringing for fear it may be your teen’s principal or if you’re afraid to take your teen out in public for fear of what they may say to your best friend, then your child may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). While it’s perfectly normal for every teen to want to rebel against the norm, these kids take it to the extreme.
It may seem like defiant behaviors increase dramatically as puberty sets in. However, children with ODD are usually defiant from the day they start school.
If you’re trying to determine if your child has ODD or is just being a typical teen, here are four things you may want to consider.
Acts with Vengefulness
The normal teenager is often defiant, but they are seldom vengeful. However, the teens with ODD, act out vengefully at least twice in a six month period.
Additionally, they really don’t seem to care about who they are hurting with their actions. To including adults most kids would consider role models.
When questioned, they usually cannot give a good explanation about why they’re actively vengeful.
Argues Constantly
It’s absolutely normal for most teens to want to pick on their siblings at times. If your teen seems to be irritating their siblings, they probably don’t have ODD.
You may just need to step up your parenting game by making sure you have boundaries in place, and you’re following them consistently.
It really isn’t that they are completely against everything you say. Yes, that is how it may sound.
However, argumentativeness with ODD is unique in it is almost like the individual can’t mentally stand to agree with what a person in authority has to say or comply with what they say.
Blame Others
Every teen may tend to blame their mistakes on someone else when they get caught, but ODD teens take it to the extreme.
Additionally, they will make up wild stories that don’t make sense just so they don’t accept responsibility for their actions. Teens with ODD will look you in the eye while lying to you because they seem incapable of feeling remorse.
Feel Empowered When Doing Wrong
Most teens really want the world to be a better place, but teens with ODD believe they have the right to make everyone else feel miserable. They will:
- Steal from their peers just to make them mad even if they don’t really want what they’re stealing.
- Argue with an authority figure just to see if they can get the person to raise their voice.
They seldom seem content unless they are causing trouble with someone.
Up to 16 percent of children may have ODD. Parents and teachers working in partnership can help these children change their behaviors shaping them into productive members of society.
When your teen faces problems such as addiction or juvenile delinquency, it can be heartbreaking. It can be tempting to give in to anger, sadness and blame.
Teenagers are people too. They need your love and support.
Here are some simple suggestions to help your teen get back on the right track.
