Teaching parents how to cope with their child's behaviour

Some children with ADHD can behave in a way that's very disruptive. Doctors sometimes call this conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. These terms describe behaviour that's much worse than ordinary naughtiness or rebelliousness. Children with conduct disorder may:[1]

Be aggressive towards other people or animals
Break things or damage property
Steal things
Tell lies
Break important rules.

Most children do these things from time to time. And not all children with ADHD have these problems. Guidelines for doctors say that if a child has done at least three of these things in a year, they may have a conduct disorder.[1] But conduct disorders should only be diagnosed by a specialist. This could be a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in treating children and young people.

One way of dealing with conduct disorders is for a parent or guardian to take part in a programme designed to help them improve their relationship with their child. The idea is that this will help the child to be less disruptive. This approach is only recommended for children up to 12 years old.[1]

Parent education programmes are usually done in a group. They're based on the idea that children learn their behaviour from watching other people. Sessions last about two hours. You may learn about how best to talk to your child and ways to help you understand your child's feelings. You might role-play difficult situations and be given things to do with your child between sessions.

The sessions might be run by a psychologist or a community worker. Most parent education programmes are just for parents or guardians. But you may be asked to bring your child along once or twice. You'll usually have about 10 sessions in all.

Several reviews of the research have found that parent education programmes can help improve children's behaviour.[1] One review also found that they can help parents feel less stressed or depressed.

References

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Parent-training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders. Technology appraisal No. 102. July 2006. Available at http://www.nice.org.uk/TA102 (accessed on 26 July 2006).

Glossary

psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specialises in psychiatry, a branch of medicine that covers the science and practice of treating mental, emotional or behavioural disorders.
psychologist: A person who is trained to study the human mind and human behaviour. A clinical psychologist provides mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools or private settings.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.