Search Results for: blog youre not my boss oppositional defiant disorder

When a Child Argues with Peers

Many of us have this idyllic vision of childhood friends—we picture our child wandering off into the field hand-in-hand with a best friend—happy, giggling, and best friends forever. The reality, however, is that children argue and fight too. Inviting a friend over for a play date can turn into a bicker-fest. As the parent in charge, is there anything we can do to cut back on the arguing or help our child learn how to communicate in other ways? First of all, arguing is not all bad. Sometimes, our child is working out all sorts of things in those arguments … Continue reading →

Being Mom in a New Moon Phase

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Moms go through phases just like the moon. Today I’m in a “new moon” phase, where everything is dark and I’m waiting for enlightenment, change, and the ability to somehow start over again. I’ve reached a point with my ten-year-old stepdaughter where I know I need help. I feel myself unraveling and I recognize that I’ve lost my equilibrium. Maybe I just need a break. Maybe I need a mini-vacation where I turn this child temporarily over to the total care and control of her father—just until I can get my bearings again. This morning there was another argument. She … Continue reading →

“It’s Nothing Personal.” Kids with Behavioral Disorders

When we parent children with problem behaviors, it’s hard not to take their actions personally. My stepdaughter, who has ADHD and suspected ODD, has tirades and vengeful behaviors which have occasionally hurt my feelings deeply. The questions that come to mind are “WHY do you have to act like that?” “WHY can’t you behave like your older brother or sister?” “WHY are you the child who keeps getting into trouble at school?” And, even more secretly, “WHY can’t I change you?” Losing it… On one occasion, I just lost it. I did. I got down on my knees and yelled … Continue reading →

Do You Have A Defiant Child? Check Your Parenting Style

We so often read or hear about the defiant, strong-willed child and what steps we can take to get them to become more cooperative. Maybe you are the parent of one of these kids and find yourself at the end of your rope. Have you ever considered that your parenting style might be responsible for your child’s defiance? In their book, Try and Make Me!, Ray Levy and Bill O’Hanlon write about three parenting styles that just might contribute to your child’s defiance. The Defiant Parent These parents expect perfect compliance from their kids. They tell them what to do … Continue reading →

Hello From Another Special Needs Parent

Hello and welcome to my blog about special needs parenting. My hope is that this will be informative and helpful to you all, as I know it will be to me as I research and discuss each topic. I plan on going over many different subjects, from attachment to schooling. I am very excited to start this venture and I know it will be rewarding. A little about me My name is Nichole True; I am a full time mom and part time retail associate. In September of 2006 my husband and I brought our first child home from Guatemala. … Continue reading →

Six Universal Rules of Discipline

I’ve written several blogs on behavior and discipline, but sometimes it’s best to get back to basics. As parents we need to occasionally refresh our memories about the no-nonsense, ABCs of keeping things under control. These principles will work with children who have all kinds of disabilities or behavior problems. You’ve already heard all these points in different ways at different times. But how are you doing, really? Have you drifted into an anything-goes mentality, where you just react angrily to whatever your kid is doing? Is it time to reassess your parenting technique? Here are Six Universal Rules of … Continue reading →

Glossary of Special Needs Adoption-Related Terms “N-O”

Special Needs and Adoption-Related Terms: Adoption terms and special needs words may vary from agency to agency.The terms used in this Special Needs Adoption-Related Glossary may be slightly different from one State to another. A | B | C | D | E-F | G-H-I | J-K-L | M | N-O | P | Q-R | S | T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z N Neurological disorder: Emotional or mental disorders or problems that appear in the form of anxieties, obsessions, phobias, etc., but are not typically so sever that the person loses touch with daily realities. Non-identifying information: Facts about the birth parents or … Continue reading →