Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Support Group
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures that goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behavior. When a child cannot seem to control his anger or frustration, even over what seems to be trivial or simple to others, the child will often react in violent or negative ways to his own...
Last night was one of those nights... I am exhausted today after dealing with last night's meltdown over the request to put clothes into the laundry basket. It's difficult when trying to explain these meltdowns to someone who knows our son as he appears to be an average well adjusted child most days outside of the house. So I have joined this group looking for support, ideas and also just to know we are not alone. Our son is 6 years old and has struggled ever since he could express himself with his anger. Some days are better than others. His bedroom walls and my husband and I bear the brunt of the days that are the worst. He just shuts down and lashes out sometimes and there is no way to break through the wall of NO. We just have to ride out the storm and try not to let him hurt himself. I am worried as he gets bigger that I won't be able to stop him.
No you are definitely not alone with this every day struggle. Some days I think, it shouldn't be this hard, we shouldn't have to struggle over simple things.... but we do. We finish a battle only to engage in a new one. Just remember to take time for yourself, to recharge, to regroup. Find time for you and your husband together to connect about something other than your son. I know it's easier said than done. Just remember you're not alone.
My son is 7 and does similar things. As a safety measure now that he's older here is a technique you can try if he is hurting your or himself. Go around behind him, pull his arms criss-cross across the front of his body. Now sit down; he'll have to sit with you, his upper body is under your control. Now cross your legs over his legs. Ta-da! Safe position. Make sure you turn your head to the side so he can't head butt you. After the initial fit, start to talk in a cam voice or whisper. 3-5 minutes here gets them off the edge to the point you can get him into his room. Make the room safe - bolt shelves, remove fish tank, etc.