Hello and thank you for writing to Just Ask!

I know from experience that life with a child with defiance can be very trying.  Especially when they are so young and have so much to say, but cannot.  In my family, the use of sign language in combination with speech/language therapy proved to be most helpful.  It allowed our son, who had some speech and language difficulties, the ability to express himself calmly and accurately, thus reducing frustration and behavioral outbursts. We used it as a bridge until the speech and language abilities could catch up with his cognitive skills.  We also let him use art and play as a way to communicate, too.

Also, you may find some help with these great websites, books and articles, as well.

KIDLUTIONS  http://www.kidlutions.com  http://bit.ly/fIHpsd for a recent article on child aggression

Michele Borba  The Big Book of Parenting Solutions  http://www.MicheleBorba.com

The Birth to Five Book by Brenda Nixon  http://www.BrendaNixon.com

Proactive Parenting by Sharon Silver http://www.ProactiveParenting.net

Good luck and know that there are many avenues of help.  Let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Louise Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psycholgist
Owner of Signing Families™
http://www.signingfamilies.com