Your Concerns about Not Minding/Doing the Opposite, School Age

You said that your child does not do what you ask or does the opposite. Your child may also argue, talk back, or disobey you. When your child does these things it is upsetting to you and/or his/her teachers. Some children who do these things very often have a problem called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Your child may be acting in one or more of the following ways:

• Loses his/her temper
• Argues with adults (for a long time)
• Refuses to do what you ask
• Says "No!"
• Does things to annoy others (i.e., Turns up the radio too loud on purpose)
• Blames others for his/her mistakes
• Is "touchy" or easily annoyed by others
• Makes up excuses for his/her mistakes
• Repeatedly asks "Why?" when asked to do something
• Says mean and hateful things when upset
• Seeks revenge against those who have "wronged" him/her

This type of behavior is more common in boys that girls. In addition, it is more likely for children to behave this way with mothers than fathers.

Warning signs that things are getting worse:

• Loses his/her temper several times a day
• Often refuses to do what you (or any other adult) ask
• You become even more concerned about the things your child is doing
• Your child's teacher is concerned about these things

If you think your child is getting worse, talk to your doctor even if you have discussed this problem before.

Adapted in part from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Facts for Families©series (1997) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care (DSM-PC) (1996).