Be calm and consistent

When teachers react with anger when kids with ODD act out, the conduct worsens, and students get delighted or encouraged by upsetting an adult. Instead, teachers should maintain a cheerful tone of voice, use neutral body language, and avoid approaching or entering the student's personal space, as this may worsen the problem.

When interacting with children who have ODD, consistency in both words and deeds is essential. Teachers should utilize the same selection of "trigger phrases" on a regular basis to let kids know they are serious. When students begin to quarrel with them in class, teachers can simply respond, 'not now', 'later', or 'address the problem'.