10 Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms
Symptom #5: Arguments
An argument can be defined as a series of statements expressed to determine the truth or conclusion. Having an argumentative child can be exhausting. However, it is a part of normal child development. Arguing is common among 4 to 5-year-olds as they gain confidence in their communication skills and are focused on getting what they want. With younger children, it is important for parents to understand that while they may be able to argue, it does not mean that they can understand ideas and logic.
To deal with an argumentative child, parents can try to establish house rules, provide incentives (in some cases), use straightforward language instead of suggestions, and back off on trivial issues. However, children who are persistently argumentative should be evaluated as it is one of the traits seen among those with oppositional defiant disorder.
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