Andy Anderson, M.A., LPC, KPMT
Parenting and Child Conduct Counseling
(636) 674-9583
Parents who are looking for guidance on behavior management may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of books and programs available. It can be tough to know which ones are effective and which ones may not be as helpful.
That's why we've carefully selected the resources below based on their effectiveness and evidence-based approach. These resources can be valuable self-help tools for parents of children with moderate behavior issues.
However, if your child's behavior problems are more severe, it may be necessary to consider Behavioral Parent Training Therapy. In those cases, it's important to seek the guidance of a qualified professional who can provide the support and expertise you need.
Your Defiant Teen
Russell Barkley, PhD.
"Your Defiant Teen" is a book authored by Russell Barkley that aims to equip parents of teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and other conduct disorders with strategies for better managing their adolescent's behavior. The book is written in a clear and easily understandable style, providing practical advice on managing and improving the behavior of teens with ODD and other defiant disorders. It covers a range of topics including the underlying causes of oppositional behavior, developing effective parenting strategies, and working with professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
The book is especially helpful in guiding parents to establish clear and consistent rules and consequences while using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. It also teaches parents how to understand their teen's behavior and empowers them to take an active role in their child's treatment and recovery.
Overall, "Your Defiant Teen" is a valuable resource for parents who seek to help their teens with ODD and other defiant disorders and wish to strengthen their relationship with their child.
References
Barkley, R. A., & Robin, A. L. (2013). Your defiant teen, second edition: 10 steps to resolve conflict and rebuild your relationship. Guilford Publications.
Your Defiant Child
Russell Barkley, PhD.
"Your Defiant Child" by Russell Barkley is a guidebook that provides valuable insights and practical strategies for parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Dr. Barkley, a clinical psychologist, and ADHD expert explains the causes of these disorders and how they can affect a child's behavior and development.
The book includes effective strategies for managing a child's behavior, building positive relationships, and improving the child's overall functioning. It offers advice on how to communicate effectively with a defiant child, set limits, encourage positive behavior, and handle challenging behaviors like defiance, aggression, and noncompliance.
The book is designed to empower parents by providing them with practical tips for improving communication, setting limits, and handling difficult behaviors. By following the strategies outlined in the book, parents can build stronger, more positive relationships with their children, and improve their child's overall functioning.
In summary, "Your Defiant Child" is a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and manage their child's ADHD or ODD, and to build a more positive and functional relationship with their child.
References
Barkley, R. A. (2006). Your defiant child: Eight steps to better behavior. Guilford Press.
Parent Management Training
Alan Kazdin, PhD.
Parent Management Training (PMT) is a therapy designed to help parents of children with challenging behaviors to improve their parenting skills. Dr. Alan Kazdin, a clinical psychologist and child behavior expert, developed the approach. The therapy aims to teach parents how to effectively manage their child's behavior using positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques.
PMT is typically implemented through weekly sessions, where parents are trained to give positive reinforcement, set clear limits, and respond consistently to misbehavior. The therapy is designed to improve the child's behavior and the overall functioning of the family.
The therapy begins with identifying the specific behaviors that are causing problems for the family. Parents are then taught the basic principles of behavior modification, such as giving effective praise and rewards, setting clear and consistent rules, and responding appropriately to misbehavior. They are also taught how to use positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors and how to use consequences to discourage negative behaviors.
PMT is flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs of each family. It can be adapted to address a wide range of behaviors, including aggression, defiance, and non-compliance. The therapy can also be used with children of different ages and families from different cultural backgrounds.
Overall, PMT is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective in reducing problem behaviors in children and improving family functioning.
References
Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2009). The Kazdin method for parenting the defiant child: With no pills, no therapy, no contest of wills. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2014). The everyday parenting toolkit. Mariner Books.
Parent Management Training - Oregon Model
Gerald R. Patterson
"Raising Cooperative Kids" is a book written by Dr. Marjorie Forgatch, Dr. Gerald Patterson, and Terri Friend - experts in the fields of child development and parenting. The book offers practical strategies for parents seeking to raise cooperative, well-behaved children while promoting a positive and connected family environment.
The book is based on the Oregon Social Learning Center's (OSLC) Parent Management Training-Oregon Model (PMTO), a widely researched and evidence-based approach that has proven effective in reducing problem behaviors and promoting positive parent-child relationships.
The authors cover several topics, including the importance of clear communication, positive reinforcement, and appropriate consequences in promoting cooperative behavior in children. They discuss the significance of setting clear and consistent rules, the role of parental warmth, and positive reinforcement in promoting positive child behavior and provide specific strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors such as defiance, aggression, and noncompliance.
The book also offers guidance on how to balance the need for structure and discipline with the need for autonomy and independence, and how to foster children's self-esteem and self-worth. The inclusion of real-life examples and case studies helps to illustrate the concepts discussed, making it easy for parents to relate to the ideas presented.
Overall, "Raising Cooperative Kids" empowers parents to create a positive, connected, and happy family dynamic by providing practical strategies for raising cooperative and well-behaved children.
References
Forgatch, M. S., Patterson, G. R., & Friend, T. (2017). Raising cooperative kids: Proven practices for a connected, happy family. Red Wheel/Weiser.