Every child has "ornery" moments, but more than 1 in 20 American children exhibit behavioral problems that are out of control. For readers struggling with an unyielding or combative child, YOUR DEFIANT CHILD: EIGHT STEPS TO BETTER BEHAVIOR offers the understanding and guidance they need. Drawing on Dr. Russell A. Barkley's many years of work with parents and children, the book clearly explains what causes defiance, when it becomes a problem, and how it can be resolved. The book's comprehensive eight-step program stresses consistency and cooperation, promoting changes through a system of praise, rewards, and mild punishment. Readers learn tools and strategies for establishing clear patterns of discipline, communicating with children on a level they can understand, and reducing family stress overall. Filled with helpful charts, questionnaires, and checklists, YOUR DEFIANT CHILD helps parents get their child's behavior back on track and restore harmony in the home.

Introduction. Part I: Getting to Know Your Defiant Child. Is Something Wrong with My Child? Why Is This Happening to My Family? What Should I Do about It? Words to Live By: The Foundation of Better Behavior. Part II: Getting Along with Your Defiant Child. Step 1: Pay Attention! Step 2: Start Earning Peace and Cooperation with Praise. Step 3: When Praise Is Not Enough, Offer Rewards. Step 4: Use Mild Discipline--Time-Out and More. Step 5: Use Time-Out with Other Misbehavior. Step 6: Think Aloud and Think Ahead - What to Do in Public. Step 7: Help the Teacher Help Your Child. Step 8: Moving toward a Brighter Future. Appendix: Does Your Child Have Conduct Disorder? Resources.