Hello, I am new to this group.  I have a brilliant, kind, and independant daughter who has been diagnosed with ODD.  I am struggling as a parent to modify my behaviors to accomodate her needs in order to help her flourish and be the great leader she was born to be!  It is a true battle for me internally.  She is head strong and refuses to do simple things like get out of bed on school mornings and get dressed.  We are always butting heads.  Sometimes I feel very alienated from her as a mother.  I don't wish to say I "hate" her but is certainly isn't easy to endure battles every morning and night.  Furthermore, her brother is the exact opposite of her.  He will do as asked but I am so often in a bad mood, or dealing with her that he gets overlooked and ignored while I deal with her or acts out to get attention.  We are in therapy.  I have attended parenting classes which has helped some but I am still searching for more support.  Has anyone tried medication in children this young?  Has anyone read a book that's been helpful?  I continue to try and bond with her as I read that spending one on one time outside of challenging situations assists children with ODD feel good about themselves and their parents.  I've read and seen that positive reinforcement helps.  I also try to offer her "choices" to provide her an opportunity to utilize her natural sense of self-control and destiny.  Your thoughts and comments are appreciate.

One Tired Mommy of Two