EDITOR ’ S PICK
In addition , defiance may be a sign of emotional distress . According to Psychology Today author , Daniel Flint , “ Defiant behavior could be rooted in emotional distress . Specifically , children may behave defiantly in an attempt to control a situation where they feel anxious and helpless . Additionally , when children experience stress or even sadness , they may also display defiant behaviors as a result of feeling unable to communicate their own internal state in a socially appropriate manner .” Finally , it may also be a symptom of depression or of traumatic stress , neither of which can be punished away and must be treated appropriately .
Here are a few things to try ...
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