The Defiant Child: A Parent's Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder

This book did not disappoint because it offered clear and easy to use strategies.

I am a stepfather and married into a package deal: long lost love, defiant teenager. While I was no professional, I knew that there was something terribly wrong with this childs world view and decision making. At times, the anger and open defiance seemed totally nonsensical. I read The Defiant Child and found a GOOD description of my stepchild as well as practical steps you can take to influence the child in positive ways. I had a thoroughly defeated wife who was convinced nothing would work. My having her read the book, she came out of her paralysis and we were able to develop a united front (essential) and started effecting some changes. Our daughter is still no angel but she is sure easier to cope with now. She is even enjoyable at times. You just have to arm yourself with knowledge, patience and love and keep pressing. I found the books insights very helpful and I used them as guidelines in developing my own strategies. I was so impressed with the results that I've gotten, I have GIVEN the book to other "burned out" parents and they love it too. Douglas Riley was a Godsend.

I received 'The Defiant Child' at about 2pm Monday and couldn't put it down ( I finished it at 6pm and am now in the process of re-reading it). As I read this helpful and inspiring book, I alternatively laughed, cried, and nodded to the insightful descriptions, words, and ideas of Dr Riley. I felt as if this book was written for me. After having others suggest that my 15 year old daughter may be suffering from everything from conduct disorder or bi-polar..to a normal, but excessive kind of teenage rebellion. This book has helped me to see what may and may not be wrong; and what my husband and I may or may not be doing right when dealing with my daughter. My daughter will probably be sent to a residential treatment center because she violated her probation concerning attending school. I never could quite understood her continued intense fear of going to school even after we had changed her from her old school (where she had been brutally attacked), to not one but two others within three months. Each school was quieter and friendly than the last. Thanks to this book, I am more knowledgeable and aware of ODD and hopefully am not to late to help her to get the treatment she needs, even in such a facility. My only wish is that I could have read to book earlier and perhaps prevented her being sent away. I also wish that I could somehow communicate with Dr Riley . I highly recommend this book to not just ODD parents, but all parents. Thank you Dr Riley

With a child of 7 who recently was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD this book is helping us deal with some very difficult and scary situations. In addition to counseling, this book has been a good place to turn to when questions and concerns need to be addressed. This book was very informative and easy to read. It gives a concise easy to understand description of ODD and explains the disorder from the child's perspective very acurately. The authors goes on to give sound advice on how to handle conflicts and tough situations that can become daily battles at home and school. I'm hoping we will not still need this book in the teen years, but I'll keep it close by just in case we do.

Dr. Riley's insights and suggestions offered me hope and help when nothing seemed to be working in dealing with a teen who clearly needed limits. Along the wonderful help of our family counselor, this book has made a real difference in helping us to regain control of our own home. Highly recommended to anyone whose child is constantly pushing limits.