Hi, everyone. I'm new here. I have a 6 1/2 year old son who has not been formally diagnosed with ODD, but I know that's what he has. We are waiting for our appointment for a formal evaluation at the local Childrens' Hospital. My son is in first grade and he does fine at school. Occassionally he has trouble listening, but his teacher says it's nothing he doesn't see in all the other first graders. It's at home that my son acts out. He is defiant almost constantly, telling us, "I'm the boss. You can't make me. You're an idiot. Do you even have a brain? I won't do it. I hate you," or some version of that refrain almost constantly. He has his good days, but his bad days are terrible. He refuses to go to time out and has to be dragged there. He screams and has tantrums that shake the house. I know his ODD is probably related, at least in part, to anxiety as his behavior often gets worse when he's scared or nervous about something. But he can also act out for no real reason, like when he's told it's time for bed or that it's time to turn off the TV or just generally when he's told no about something.
He's a wonderful child in so many ways and we adore him, but his behavior is just so hard on me and my husband and our 4 year old daughter. I feel like a terrible mother because sometimes I get so angry with him I feel like I could snap. I never do, thank god. But it's really taking a toll on us all. I'm just so afraid that nothing will work. We saw a child psychiatrist about a year and a half ago and at that time he suggested some things we could try and he didn't think our son needed a full evaluation. But his suggestions haven't worked and I know we need to move onto something more, hence the evaluation we've scheduled. I just feel hopeless right now and really scared and tired. Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble!
He's a wonderful child in so many ways and we adore him, but his behavior is just so hard on me and my husband and our 4 year old daughter. I feel like a terrible mother because sometimes I get so angry with him I feel like I could snap. I never do, thank god. But it's really taking a toll on us all. I'm just so afraid that nothing will work. We saw a child psychiatrist about a year and a half ago and at that time he suggested some things we could try and he didn't think our son needed a full evaluation. But his suggestions haven't worked and I know we need to move onto something more, hence the evaluation we've scheduled. I just feel hopeless right now and really scared and tired. Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble!