534- Your Child's Explosive Behavior: A Roadmap to Radical Change
Dec 26, 2024
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Ross W. Greene, a leading expert and creator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model, dives into the nuances of explosive behavior in children. He emphasizes viewing these behaviors as indicators of deeper issues rather than mere defiance. Greene shares strategies to foster communication and cooperation between parents and kids. The discussion provides valuable insights into reducing conflict, enhancing relationships, and identifying the lagging skills that may be contributing to a child's challenges.
Explosive behaviors in children often signal unmet needs, indicating that these responses are rooted in struggles with essential skills like emotional regulation.
The Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model promotes engaging children in discussions to collaboratively address their specific challenges and foster better communication.
Deep dives
Understanding Explosive Behavior
Children displaying explosive behaviors are often communicating their struggles instead of seeking attention or trying to manipulate. Such behaviors, which may include screaming, hitting, or property destruction, stem from a frustration related to unmet expectations. The Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model emphasizes that rather than resorting to harsh punishment, parents should focus on the underlying skills their children are lacking, such as emotional regulation or problem-solving abilities. The CPS approach is rooted in the belief that children do well if they can, indicating that maladaptive responses are a reflection of their struggles with crucial life skills.
The Collaborative Problem-Solving Process
To address explosive behavior effectively, parents must identify and prioritize the unsolved problems their child faces. This involves a thoughtful process of gathering information from the child about their difficulties in meeting certain expectations, as well as outlining the consequences of those unmet expectations. An example provided is the case of a father who learned that his daughter was facing a unique challenge with tooth brushing, which was not resolved by simply changing toothpaste flavors. By engaging in a collaborative discussion, they determined a practical solution that addressed both of their concerns, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive problem-solving in enhancing parent-child relationships.
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Addressing Explosive Behaviors in Children with Compassion and Collaboration
Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., explains how to use Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) to decrease conflict and defiant behavior and enhance relationships.
This special episode is a feature article from the Winter 2024 issue of ADDitude magazine. To listen to the full issue — and receive our Spring 2025 issue hot off the presses — subscribe now at additudemag.com/subscribe.