Parenting Strategies for Defiant Behaviors
Defiant behaviors, which can range from eye rolling to foot stomping to a full-blown temper tantrum, can be the bane of any parent’s existence. Though these behaviors can be stressful and disruptive, most are completely normal. And there is good news: Parents and guardians can learn strategies and skills to improve communication, set boundaries and promote positive behavior in children.
More Information
“Parenting Strategies for Defiant Behavior,” recorded live on September 10, 2024, featured expert insights on:
- Offering choices within limits to give your child a sense of control
- Using positive language and avoiding power struggles
- Consistently following through with consequences
- Focusing on building a positive parent-child relationship
About the Experts
Steven Shampain, MA, LPC-MHSP, is executive clinical director-group practice at HopeNation, a virtual mental health therapy practice. Experienced in treating children and young adults through individual and group therapy, Shampain also has expertise in family communications and dynamics. As an adolescent therapist with HCA Tristar Skyline Madison Behavioral Hospital, he worked with schools to develop behavioral plans for students and families.
Adesola “Busola” Ojo is a national certified counselor, licensed professional counselor-mental health service provider in the states of Tennessee and Texas, a certified clinical trauma professional and a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. She focuses on her clients’ total well-being, including the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of their lives.
Megan Adkins Witt is a licensed professional counselor with HopeNation. She started her counseling career in community mental health and has worked with all ages ranging from toddlers to senior adults. Witt is certified as a trauma-informed counselor and is pursuing credentialing in parent-child interaction therapy for children ages 2-7. She has a passion for working with teenagers and young adults who are discovering who they are.
Suggested Resources
Mental Health Crisis Services
What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?
Positive Solutions for Families
Better Conversations. Better Health.
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