DEAR DR. GOTT: My son has oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and he seems to scheme to upset the peace in our home. Once there is a blowup, he gets a little half smile on his face. What is a parent to do to fix this?
DEAR READER: All children and teens have moments when they can be difficult, moody and/or argumentative. This is perfectly normal. However, when tantrums, arguing and angry or disruptive behaviors (especially toward the parent/guardian and other authority figures) become regular occurrences, ODD may be the reason.
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