One of my pet hates in practice is when one practice member judges another.

As you can imagine, in an office full of kids there is the occasional child who does not feel like getting adjusted that day.  Some are tired, noisy or naughty.  However, remarks such as “Parents these days!”, or “All he needs is a good smack on his bottom!” are not particularly helpful for anybody.

Of course, there are many different parenting styles, and more so, kids are all different.  Some struggle with neurological challenges such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD), which may make them somewhat difficult to get along with.  And many of these kids find their way to my practice.  Do you see them too?

The Switched-on Kids seminars cover these diagnoses and how to address them, and here is a taste of what is worth knowing about kids with oppositional defiance disorder (ODD):

ODD is a childhood behavioural problem where the child is constantly irritable, angry, argumentative, defiant and disobedient.  It affects one in ten primary school children, with boys being diagnosed twice as often as girls.  Sometimes children as young as 3 years old are diagnosed.

The child with ODD:

• Is easily frustrated, irritated and angry.
• Frequently argues with adults.
• Refuses to follow rules.
• Has frequent temper tantrums.
• Tends to stir up others.
• Blames others.
• Has low self-esteem.

Although there seem to be some evidence that a stressful early family life such as marital conflict, domestic violence, parental substance abuse and inconsistent/inadequate parenting skills may be involved in ODD, there is no known cause.  There is a strong familial tendency, with epigenetic factors rather than genetic.

Neuro-imaging shows functional changes in these kids in the pre-frontal cortex, insula and amygdala.  They also seem to have abnormal cortisol levels.

The long-term challenges for children with ODD are anxiety and depression.

Traditional treatment protocols for children with ODD include parental and school management training, family therapy as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and antipsychotic and/or mood stabilising medication.

When we witness a child having a meltdown in a chiropractic reception area, or in the shop, on the beach, on the soccer field, etc., let us admit that we know nothing of the situation.  Who knows if this child was bullied at school today?  If he/she did not eat well or enough prior to their emotional outburst?  If the only way this child can get his mother’s attention when she’s fighting with dad, is to make a scene? The best approach for the child, the parents as well as for ourselves, is not to judge or feel angry.  Rather, displaying empathy and compassion will lighten the energy of the situation.  And who knows when we would wish for others to do that for us?

Is your vision to have huge positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families?  If so, why don’t you join my Family Chiropractic team in Newcastle.  You will step into an established, busy role, as our lovely long-term associate is leaving to focus on raising her growing family. You get the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to learn from someone who has built a very successful family practice from scratch, while teaching chiropractors all over the world about caring for kids.  Family Chiropractic Charlestown is a busy, well-known practice (established 1998) with awesome staff, systems and procedures.  You will receive mentoring, support and an excellent remuneration package. On top of all that, Newcastle offers the perfect lifestyle, with beaches, lake, bush, fresh air and little traffic.

Check us out here: https://vimeo.com/254981309 https://familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au/
Send a reply to this email with your CV and cover letter.

Yours in chiropractic,
Dorte

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5716335/