The Explosive Child

The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene is a groundbreaking book that offers a new approach to understanding and managing children who have intense, chronic outbursts of frustration and anger. Greene introduces the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, which emphasizes empathy, communication, and problem-solving over traditional disciplinary methods. The book argues that these explosive behaviors are often a result of lagging skills in areas like flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving, rather than a willful desire to misbehave.

Greene’s approach involves working collaboratively with the child to identify triggers, understand their perspective, and develop mutually agreeable solutions. This method fosters a more supportive and compassionate relationship between parents and children, reducing conflict and helping children develop the skills they need to manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively. The Explosive Child is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers looking for effective strategies to help children who struggle with intense emotional reactions.