Common Concern 6: I have a child who is oppositional and defiant.  He/She deliberately disobeys me and other authority figures, to a degree that has gotten out of hand.  I have tried explaining that his/her behaviors can have negative consequences but he/she does not seem to care about the consequences.  His/her behavior is disruptive and has caused concern at home and at school.  I am unsure of what it could be.  How do I help my child?  Where can I go from here?

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Caregiver’s Initial Response: Caregivers may consult with pediatricians and other healthcare providers about their child’s behavior.  Caregivers may find that brief appointments with pediatricians or healthcare providers don’t provide enough time to fully address their child’s behaviors or the underlying issues.

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Tandem’s Response 6: Oppositional behavior can be difficult to manage, especially when children may not fully understand the impact of their actions or feel little empathy for how their behaviors affect others.  Several factors can contribute to these behaviors, including how a child understands cause and effect, their level of empathy, and how they see themselves.  Exploring these factors can help identify the root cause of the behavior and guide us toward the best approach for support.  We understand how overwhelming it can be to manage your child’s oppositional behaviors, especially when you’re unsure of the cause.  You are not alone in this, and we’re here to help.

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Caregiver’s Next Steps: The first step in understanding your child’s behaviors is scheduling a comprehensive psychological evaluation with Tandem.  This evaluation will provide you with a clearer understanding of the underlying causes of their behavior and offer you actionable strategies to move forward.  To get started, simply call Tandem or complete the Evaluation Interest Form here.