This condition is more subtle and has more damaging long-term consequences. In short, these children's lives are one ongoing crisis. And in many cases, these crises are well-kept family secrets. Children who haven't experienced major emotional distress can also show oppositional and defiant behavior. This is especially true of children who feel they can't freely express themselves, children who believe they must act a certain way to get approval from key adults in their lives, or children who have had excessive expectations placed on them.
Perception is reality here.
A parent's expectations may not seem excessive to you, but may to the child. These children fear that in being honest about their resentment, they might be rejected. Their anger and bitterness leak out, one drop at a time. They're in a silent rebellion. He shows parents and teachers the behaviors to watch for, and how to better understand and respond to the youngster displaying them.