My son was just recently diagnosed ODD, although I suspected for quite some time. Is there ever a time where it is too late to begin these techniques? Things are escalating here and there has been some drinking and smoking marijuana. He has disappeared in his car for 8 hrs before and he ran away Friday night -- the police found him after 3 hours and brought him home. He shows no remorse for this and I've found on his website that he almost brags about it -- a badge of honor of sorts.
I am truly at my wits end as I don't know where to go with this behavior. We have contemplated sending him to a residential treatment facility, however, those are very pricey and I would prefer to keep him in the home and "fix" everything. I don't want to be unrealistic, I just want my "baby" back. I need to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!!
Thanks for your help!
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Hi C.,
There is NEVER a time where it is too late. By the time I get referrals to my program, the teen is, on average, 17-years-old.
I have to tell you though, you will never get your baby back. You managed nearly every aspect of your son's life for many many years. But at some point, he fired you as the manager and said (in his own words) "I'll take it from here."
You will never be able to manage your son's life again -- BUT -- you can be re-hired as a consultant, and I'll show you how.
The ODD child will never work for what the parent wants, but he will work for what he wants.
Parents with an ODD child cannot control that child, but they can "influence" him to make better choices.
But they must have a plan, and the plan must be somewhat "unconventional" in nature. Unconventional or non-traditional kids need unconventional, non-traditional parenting strategies.
Traditional strategies DO NOT WORK. Instead, they make a bad problem worse.
Please download "My ODD Child" eBook, listen to my ODD seminar, view the power point presentations, email or call me as needed. And I promise you that this nightmare will soon end.
Mark
