Parental Strategies for Addressing Defiant Behavior in Early Childhood: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Defiant behavior during early childhood is a frequent developmental challenge characterized by persistent noncompliance, temper outbursts, and oppositional responses to caregivers. Although mild defiance is developmentally normative, severe or persistent patterns are associated with later behavioral disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) [1–3]. Parents play a critical role in shaping children’s early behavioral trajectories, making parental strategies central to intervention [4,5]. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on parental strategies for managing defiant behavior in children aged 3–6 years. Literature from psychology, paediatrics, and child psychiatry was reviewed to examine conceptual definitions, theoretical frameworks, prevalence, and evidence-based parenting approaches, including Parent Management Training (PMT), Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), positive reinforcement, consistent discipline, and avoidance of psychologically controlling practices [9–17]. Findings indicate that structured, warm, and consistent parenting strategies significantly reduce defiant behavior and improve parent–child relationships [9–13]. Early parental interventions represent an effective approach to prevent escalation into later disruptive behavior disorders.