What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder And Could My Child Have It?

Lifestyle Changes

When treating a child with oppositional defiant disorder, many mental health professionals will advise parents to make lifestyle changes to help improve the situation. Strategies they will often suggest include becoming an active part of the child's life if they are not doing so already, offering specific praise and rewards for positive behavior, leading by example, creating a daily routine (including a chore) with assistance from the child, and setting limits and appropriate consequences. It's also imperative parents encourage their children to partake in physical activity, eat a healthy diet, and get adequate sleep each night to help reduce symptoms.

Of course, parents must also be aware there will be challenges in treatment. Continue reading for information on this.