Every child has 'ornery' moments, but more than 1 in 20 American children exhibit behavioral problems that are out of control. For readers struggling with an unyielding or combative child, this book offers the understanding and guidance they need. Drawing on Dr. Barkley's many years of work with parents and children, the book clearly explains what causes defiance, when it becomes a problem, and how it can be resolved. The book's comprehensive eight-step program stresses constistency and cooperation, promoting changes through a system of praise, rewards and mild punishment. Readers learn tools and strategies for establishing clear pattrerns of disipline, communicating with children on a level they can understand, and reducing family stress overall. Filled with helpful charts, questionnaires, and chechlists, this book helps parents get their childs behavior back on track and restore harmony in the home.