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The Explosive Child

summary ofThe Explosive ChildBook by Ross W. Greene, PhD

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • How to build a loving and healthy parent-child relationship
  • Why do kids behave the way they do
  • About unsolved problems faced by behaviorally challenged children
  • Steps to get closer with your child

first KEY POINT

Breaking down barriers

Our planet teems with many worlds, each intricately woven into the multilayered tapestry of humanity and set against the backdrop of an even vaster, intricate universe. It's no wonder why frustration occasionally surfaces, especially at the beginning of this captivating journey we call life. In this vast and complex universe, the youngest among us embark on their journey, tasked with unraveling the complexities of the world around them.Children are like blank pages, eager to absorb the intricacies of life. They attempt to grasp the world that has existed for millions of years, ceaselessly adapting to coexist with all facets of creation, natural phenomena, and, most importantly, other humans.Terms like “explosive” are often applied to children who readily unleash their frustration or anger. While the word expresses unpredictability and an “explosion” of emotions, it is not a complete portrayal. Some behaviorally challenging kids express their frustration by screaming or kicking, while others may implode out of anxiety or shut down.With this improved understanding of behaviorally challenging children, a whole new perspective emerges. Get ready to look much closer, like using a microscope, to truly see your child's emotions and behavior. With foresight, you can prevent problems instead of addressing them during heated moments. After all, having clarity of thought and rationality is essential for effective problem-solving.

Love begins with understanding.

Children enter this world with unique circumstances, much like a card player dealt a random hand. They are not inherently ill-behaved, evil, manipulative, or unmotivated. They just need guidance on how to play their cards.At times, children struggle to adapt to the demands of their environment effectively. Punishments only intensify their distress and further erode the parent-child bond. But there is another approach, one rooted in love, understanding, patience, open communication, and wisdom. Follow along to learn more!

second KEY POINT

Your kids are not bad, they just need guidance

Meet Jennifer, an eleven-year-old who recently erupted in anger. She pushed her mom, Debbie, aside when asked to share waffles with her seven-year-old brother, Riley. This incident isn't the first time either; Jennifer has a history of verbal and physical outbursts. When she was eight, she even shattered a window in the family car with a strong kick. Despite consultations with mental health professionals, medication, and various reward and punishment systems, the family still struggles with these outbursts. Jennifer has no friends, and her parents feel emotionally exhausted and scared of her behavior.

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first KEY POINT

Seeing the real problem is half the solution

second KEY POINT

Don’t try to solve their screaming or hitting

third KEY POINT

You can make them talk

fourth KEY POINT

Will everything be OK?

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Ross W. Greene is an American clinical psychologist who has worked with families and children for over 30 years. He founded the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children about?

The Explosive Child, authored by Ross W. Greene, offers a compassionate framework for understanding children who struggle with flexibility. It provides strategies for parents to address their child’s explosive behaviors by fostering collaboration and emotional intelligence.

Who is the author of The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children?

The book is written by Ross W. Greene, a renowned clinical psychologist with extensive experience in child development and behavioral challenges.

Is The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children worth reading?

Absolutely! The Explosive Child is invaluable for parents of difficult children, offering practical insights and techniques to improve family dynamics and reduce conflicts.

How many pages is The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children and when was it published?

The Explosive Child consists of approximately 320 pages and was first published in 1998, providing timeless guidance for modern parenting challenges.

What are key takeaways from The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children?

Key takeaways include embracing a proactive mindset in addressing behavioral issues, the importance of understanding a child’s perspective, and working collaboratively to solve problems instead of resorting to punitive measures.