6 year old daughter

I have 6 year old adopted twins. I have had them since they were two days old and they have never lived in another home. One of my twins is very defiant and aggressive. She hits, kicks and destroys things in the house. This is not new behavoir. I've tried different therapists, but nobody seems to agree. I've heard everything from how it's my fault, to that she is odd with rad. It seems no therapist agrees on how to handle her. I think I should be clear that is is only with me at home, not her Dad or at school. Giving her consequences is impossible. It takes all day to follow through with a 6 minute time out and she always turns violent. This isn't fair to her twin sister who gets left out because all I do is deal with Lexi's outbursts. I'm at my whits end and can't get help. I'm tired of being judged by people who have no idea what I'm dealing with. I don't know what to do.

Carleen

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I,m going to point you in the direction of s reliable guide to managing behavior. Read (and follow) Lynn Clark's book SOS Help for Parents. The fact that she behaves like this in your presence and not elsewhere indicates that the problem 'resides' in the interaction between you and her. It is also a sure guide that medication is not necessary.