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“Authoritative, clear, empathic, structured, and evidence based, the second edition of Your Defiant Child surpasses the first, which is no easy feat. A 'must read' for parents worried about a child's oppositional, aggressive, or defiant behavior.”

—Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley


“Dr. Barkley is a leader in the field who provides families with proven strategies for dealing with very challenging problems. The entire book reflects his research, experience, and wisdom. The book is informed by feedback from the many parents who have benefited from this approach, and includes practical examples and pointers for putting the techniques into action.”

—Charles E. Cunningham, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Canada


“Dr. Barkley provides sound advice for parents based on many years of research. This is a well-written, easy-to-follow guide for improving your child's behavior.”

—Rex L. Forehand, PhD, coauthor of Parenting the Strong-Willed Child

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Table of Contents

Introduction

I. Getting to Know Your Defiant Child

1. "Is Something Wrong with My Child?"

2. "Why Is This Happening to My Family?"

3. "What Should I Do about It?"

4. Words to Live By: The Foundation of Better Behavior

II. Getting Along with Your Defiant Child

5. Step 1: Pay Attention!

6. Step 2: Start Earning Peace and Cooperation with Praise

7. Step 3: When Praise Is Not Enough, Offer Rewards

8. Step 4: Use Mild Discipline—Time-Out and More

9. Step 5: Use Time-Out with Other Misbehavior

10. Step 6: Think Aloud and Think Ahead—What to Do in Public

11. Step 7: Help the Teacher Help Your Child

12. Step 8: Moving toward a Brighter Future

Resources

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About the Authors

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, before retiring in 2021, served on the faculties of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Barkley has worked with children, adolescents, and families since the 1970s and is the author of numerous bestselling books for both professionals and the public, including Taking Charge of ADHD and Your Defiant Child. He has also published six assessment scales and more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, executive functioning, and childhood defiance. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, Dr. Barkley is past president of the Section on Clinical Child Psychology (the former Division 12) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. He is a recipient of awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the APA, among other honors. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.

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Christine M. Benton is a Chicago-based writer and editor.

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Audience

Parents who wish to make lasting changes in their 5- to 12-year-old's behavior; also of interest to mental health professionals.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

First Edition, © 1998
ISBN: 9781572303218