description The Explosive Child Overview
Dr. Ross Greene offers a groundbreaking approach for parents of children who struggle with behavioral challenges, often referred to as 'explosive' or 'inflexible.' His Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model shifts the focus from 'kids do well if they want to' to 'kids do well if they can.' By identifying the lagging skills that cause behavioral outbursts, parents can work with their children to solve problems collaboratively. This book is a lifeline for families dealing with chronic meltdowns, school issues, and intense emotional reactivity.
info The Explosive Child Specifications
| Title | The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children |
| Author | Dr. Ross W. Greene |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
| Page Count | 304 pages |
| Format Options | Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook |
| Current Edition | Revised and Updated (2014) |
| Isbn (Hardcover) | 978-0062270451 |
| Isbn (Paperback) | 978-0062270444 |
| Primary Audience | Parents, educators, mental health professionals |
| Target Age Range | Children and adolescents (approximately 4-18 years) |
| Original Publication Year | 2000 |
balance The Explosive Child Pros & Cons
- Introduces the revolutionary Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model that replaces traditional reward-punishment approaches
- Shifts parental mindset from 'kids do well if they want to' to 'kids do well if they can,' reducing blame and shame
- Provides evidence-based, non-punitive strategies backed by decades of clinical research and implementation
- Includes numerous real-life case studies demonstrating practical application across various behavioral challenges
- Empowers parents and educators to collaborate with children on solving problems rather than controlling them
- Accessible writing style makes complex psychological concepts understandable for non-professional caregivers
- Requires significant parental time, patience, and consistent practice to implement effectively
- Limited practical scripts or step-by-step scripts for crisis moments when immediate intervention is needed
- May be challenging to implement for families with limited access to school or professional support systems
- Focuses primarily on children with moderate-to-severe behavioral challenges, less applicable for typical developmental issues
help The Explosive Child FAQ
What age group is The Explosive Child intended for?
The book primarily targets children and adolescents ages 4-18 who exhibit inflexible, explosive, or challenging behaviors. While most applicable to school-age children, parents of younger toddlers may find foundational concepts useful with adaptation.
How is The Explosive Child different from traditional parenting approaches?
Unlike conventional methods that rely on rewards and punishments, the CPS model identifies unsolved problems and lagging skills causing behavior. It emphasizes solving problems collaboratively with the child rather than modifying behavior through consequences.
Can the CPS model be used in schools and clinical settings?
Yes, Lives in the Balance (the nonprofit founded by Dr. Greene) provides implementation resources for educators and clinicians. The model is widely used in schools, therapy settings, and residential programs worldwide.
What resources accompany the book for deeper learning?
Livesinthebalance.org offers free videos, worksheets, and the CANS (Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems) tool. Dr. Greene's follow-up book 'Lost & Found' provides additional case studies and implementation guidance.
Is The Explosive Child evidence-based?
The CPS model has peer-reviewed research support and is recognized by organizations including the American Psychological Association. Multiple studies demonstrate effectiveness in reducing behavioral incidents and improving family/school functioning.
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What is The Explosive Child best for?
Parents and caregivers of children with explosive behaviors, inflexibility, or emotional dysregulation who seek a non-punitive, collaborative approach to understanding and addressing behavioral challenges.
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What are the key specifications of The Explosive Child?
- Title: The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
- Author: Dr. Ross W. Greene
- Language: English
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Page Count: 304 pages
- Format Options: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
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