When your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder or another conduct disorders, it can be difficult to know how to meet her needs in a way that allows you to keep your own sanity. An angry and oppositional child may begin fights and refuse to obey for no apparent reason. By fostering your child's good behavior and engaging in positive discipline, you can avoid the daily fights to gently show your child the appropriate and acceptable way to behave.
Step 1
Direct your child only when absolutely necessary. Choosing your battles wisely is something that all parents of oppositional children will need to do. When your child is constantly fighting and arguing against you, it's important that you make your own battles more effective by keeping them to a minimum. Decide whether or not something is worth fighting over. An argument over your child's outfit may be passed over in favor of an argument concerning respect for others.
Step 2
Offer praise for your child's good behavior more often than you offer negative discipline for undesirable behavior, suggests the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. An oppositional child will inherently butt against whatever type of reprimand or consequences you put in place for unacceptable behavior, making discipline even more difficult. Instead, give praise and encouragement for good behavior to foster a healthy relationship between acceptable behavior and good feelings so your child wants to behave properly, rather than being forced to.
Step 3
Watch for triggers that may set off your oppositional and angry child. If you know that certain things bother him, head them off before they're presented, notes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Parents and teachers can watch carefully for the signs and causes of oppositional behavior to avoid the triggers in the future.
Step 4
Mediate, exercise and find your own ways to de-stress when working with angry and oppositional children. Constantly monitoring your child's behavior, breaking up fights and dealing with a stubborn attitude can leave you feeling frazzled and prone to short tempers. By arguing with your child you only exacerbate your problem. As a caretaker, you should find ways to care for yourself so you have more patience to positively discipline and monitor an oppositional child.
Step 5
Seek treatment with a competent child psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatrician, suggests "ADDitude" magazine. While you can try different methods and strategies to help your child to listen and obey, her anger problems may stem from a deeper problem. A diagnosis can lead to the psychological and medical treatment which will help her regulate her moods and learn to deal with her angry feelings.
