Every Parent Has Moments

Anyone who has more than 1 child recognizes that each child is unique, complete with his/her own mind, abilities and temperament. Some children are naturally easy-going, others will argue over a speck of dirt.

My husband and I have often jokingly stated, “We like to provide birth control everywhere we go!” Why? Well, we’ve actually been seated with our four kids near couples in restaurants who have immediately requested to be seated elsewhere. I think moments like this are funny and I’m generally able to laugh them off. I mean, I get it… a couple out with no children typically would prefer to have a meal in peace!

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But what about those parenting moments that aren’t laughed off easily?

I believe every parent has been there at some point when their child is having a major meltdown in public. It’s a terrible feeling! How many times have we been offered assistance in those moments or been told by the observers that they understand and have been there? I know I have never experienced that, so have to assume this support is rarely offered, if ever!

Generally, looks of disapproval are given, along with the mumblings that indicate their child never would do that. Parents in the middle of their child’s meltdown even sometimes get offered parenting advice in the moment to be more strict, limit things their children are allowed to do, only feed their children foods that won’t make them behave like that, or any other advice that extends the blame on the parent and how to fix it. Sound familiar?

Luckily these other parents full of advice were able to either block their own difficult parenting moments from their memory or were simply provided with super easy-going children because even Mayo Clinic’s website states, “It’s normal to exhibit oppositional behavior at certain stages of a child’s development.”  

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

I know many parents of children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). What is ODD? Well, it is basically when an individual has the emotional and behavioral symptoms of being angry, irritable, argumentative, defiant, and vindictive for at least 6 months. ODD is  often diagnosed in combination with another medical diagnosis, such as ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, or Depression. ODD is diagnosed in both boys and girls. 

Keeping the criteria in mind, it generally is a much longer process than just 6 months to be diagnosed, meaning the individual typically displays the emotional and behavioral symptoms for much longer before a diagnosis is even made. ODD can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on where all of the symptoms show up (home, school, elsewhere). Usually, by the time a child is diagnosed, the parents are exhausted and have tried many different parenting and discipline approaches.

Support for Parents of Children with ODD

I know of some parents who’ve tried to reach out for support from within their communities to find there is very little support for parents available. This can lead to parents of children with ODD feeling alone and unsupported. I saw an Instagram post recently from an Ontario mom of a child with ODD where she posted a screenshot of “No matches for Oppositional Defiant Support Groups in Ontario.” What?!? No matches!!! She was looking to join a support group for parents and found what she was looking for does not currently exist anywhere near her.

You see, it is true that the individuals with ODD need support. It is also true that the parent(s) are generally the people that drive these individuals to wherever they need to go for their child to gain access to this support. They do this because they care and want what is best for their child. However, doesn’t it make sense that the parents also need support?

Those moments in which our kids are being outwardly and blatantly oppositional are far from relaxing! The parent often feels helpless in these moments. Many parents would simply prefer to run and lock themselves in a room to cry! Thankfully, most parents only experience this on occasion or for a brief stage in their child’s development. However, parents of children with ODD experience this in great frequency.

Yes, it is true that there are some crappy parents out there, making it easy to “see” where this behavior may be coming from. However, most parents are good and doing their best. Most parents simply want what is best for their child.

It is also important to point out that many parents of a child with ODD only have one child out of however many they have in total acting out in this manner. These parents don’t need our judgment or harsh advice. They don’t need us walking by and shaking our heads at the lack of control that parent already knows they have. They need our support. Nothing more, nothing less.

A couple of great books to read on this subject include The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children and Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child, both by Dr. Ross Greene. Many with younger children find Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka to be helpful.

What other resources and supports are out there for parents? While there is definitely not enough at this point, one great website to check out for anyone needing resources is https://livesinthebalance.org/. Those living in Ontario, Canada may wish to contact Parents for Children’s Mental Health.

What About You?

Has ODD had an impact in your life in any way? Let me know in the comments below.