The Myth of Willful Defiance with Ross Greene

Jan 9, 2026

Dr. Ross W. Greene, a clinical child psychologist and expert in collaborative problem-solving, challenges traditional views on child behavior. He argues that noncompliance is a signal of distress rather than disrespect, advocating for a shift from punishment to partnership. Greene emphasizes observing and solving the underlying problems rather than just modifying behavior. He also discusses how social issues affect children's well-being and advocates for proactive, collaborative approaches in schools to better support all kids.

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INSIGHT

Focus On Problems, Not Behaviors

CPS shifts focus from modifying behaviors to solving the problems that cause them.
This reframing treats concerning behavior as a frustration response downstream from unmet expectations.

ADVICE

Be Proactive, Not Punitive

Stop relying on consequences to solve problems because consequences occur after the behavior.
Be proactive to prevent crises like restraint, seclusion, suspension, and detention.

INSIGHT

Noncompliance Is Useful Information

Noncompliance signals an expectation the child cannot reliably meet and is therefore informative.
Treat adults and children as problem-solving partners rather than adversaries.

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Episode 300! For decades, the standard response to challenging behavior has been simple: reward the good, punish the bad. But what if non-compliance isn't a sign of disrespect, but a signal of distress? Why do traditional behavioral frameworks like PBIS often miss the mark for neurodivergent students? And how can adults shift from being enforcers to problem-solving partners? Today, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and the upcoming book The Kids Who Aren't Okay, and the originator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, about the critical difference between modifying behavior and solving the problems that cause it.

Dr. Ross W. Greene is a clinical psychologist and the originator of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), an innovative, evidence-based approach for supporting kids with concerning behaviors. He is the author of several influential books, including The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, Raising Human Beings, and his forthcoming title, The Kids Who Aren't Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools. He also developed and executive produced the award-winning 2018 documentary The Kids We Lose.

Dr. Greene is the founding director of the nonprofit Lives in the Balance and previously served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years. He is currently an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and the University of Technology Sydney. His CPS model has been implemented in schools, inpatient units, and juvenile facilities across the globe, significantly reducing the use of punitive discipline and promoting connection, collaboration, and long-term success for kids.

BACKGROUND READING

Dr. Greene's website

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