A strict regime often helps children who are defiant. The demands of work, other children and day-to-day stresses can make this a difficult goal for parents. Boarding schools have structure, therapy and exercise to help treat children with conditions like Oppositional Defiant Disorder. There is more individualized attention, focus on academics and activities that appeal to children. The children can explore new territory like horseback riding and art, finding their niche. At the same time, licensed therapists work with the children regularly on their behavioral issues.
There are cons to sending your child to boarding school. They get the attention and therapy they need at school, but when they go home on vacation and summer break, parents might not know how to handle their child's defiance. Unless the therapists teach parents the skills to handle the child, old behaviors can easily re-emerge during time home. The cost also can be a drawback for some families. Although the child gets room, board and education, the tuition is comparable to that of college and can be daunting.
Traditional boarding schools likely will not accept a defiant child. However, therapeutic boarding schools are meant for this purpose. The focus is split between educational, emotional, social, spiritual and physical guidance. Therapeutic boarding schools have therapists on staff who work with children in individual and group settings. Children can be transitioned into these schools year-round. Interviews and psychological tests determine the curriculum best suited for each child. The schedule is very strict, with designated times for each activity and session.
An example of a residential treatment center is Aspen Ranch in Loa, Utah. The ranch uses equine therapy to help children. Academic structure is stressed, but so is a strong work ethic. The goal is to instill discipline, teamwork, responsibility and respect.
Once the decision is made to send your child to a school that can handle behavioral issues, parents need to do some investigation. Therapeutic boarding schools vary in the issues they address. Some are for learning disabilities while others are for children living with obesity. Talk with an educational consultant about the school's programs. Ask about the success rate, staff-to-student ratio, turnover rate, living arrangements, schedule and goals of therapy, academic component and parental involvement. Ask for the contact information for other parents, and speak with them about the school.