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What′s an explosive child? A child who responds to routine problems with extreme frustration-crying, screaming, swearing, kicking, hitting, biting, spitting, destroying property, and worse. A child whose frequent, severe outbursts leave his or her parents feeling frustrated, scared, worried, and desperate for help. Most of these parents have tried everything-reasoning, explaining, punishing, sticker charts, therapy, medication-but to no avail. They can't figure out why their child acts the way he or she does; they wonder why the strategies that work for other kids don't work for theirs; and they don't know what to do instead.
Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished clinician and pioneer in the treatment of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has worked with thousands of explosive children, and he has good news: these kids aren't attention-seeking, manipulative, or unmotivated, and their parents aren't passive, permissive pushovers. Rather, explosive kids are lacking some crucial skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving, and they require a different approach to parenting.
Throughout this compassionate, insightful, and practical book, Dr. Greene provides a new conceptual framework for understanding their difficulties, based on research in the neurosciences. He explains why traditional parenting and treatment often don't work with these children, and he describes what to do instead. Instead of relying on rewarding and punishing, Dr. Greene's Collaborative Problem Solving model promotes working with explosive children to solve the problems that precipitate explosive episodes, and teaching these kids the skills they lack.
Moments later, her mother and five-year-old brother, Adam, enter the kitchen, and the mother asks Adam what he'd like to eat for breakfast. Adam responds, "Waffles," and the mother reaches into the freezer for the waffles. Jennifer, who has been listening intently, explodes.
"He can't have the frozen waffles!" Jennifer screams, her face suddenly reddening.
"Why not?" asks the mother, her voice and pulse rising, at a loss for an explanation of Jennifer's behavior.
"I was going to have those waffles tomorrow morning!"
Jennifer screams, jumping out of her chair.
"I'm not telling your brother he can't have waffles!" the mother yells back.
"He can't have them!" screams Jennifer, now face-to-face with her mother.
The mother, wary of the physical and verbal aggression of which her daughter is capable during these moments, desperately asks Adam if there's something else he would consider eating.
"I want waffles," whimpers Adam, cowering behind his mother.
Jennifer, her frustration and agitation at a peak, pushes her mother out of the way, seizes the container of frozen waffles, then slams the freezer door shut, pushes over a kitchen chair, grabs herplate of toasted waffles, and stalks to her room. Her brother and mother begin to cry.
Jennifer's family members have endured literally thousands of such episodes. In many instances, the episodes are more prolonged and intense, and involve more physical or verbal aggression than the one described above (when Jennifer was eight, she kicked out the front windshield of the family car). Mental health professionals have told Jennifer's parents she has something called oppositional-defiant disorder. For the parents, however, a simple label doesn't begin to explain the upheaval, turmoil, and trauma that Jennifer's outbursts cause. Her siblings and mother are scared of her. Her extreme volatility and inflexibility require constant vigilance and enormous energy from her mother and father, thereby lessening the attention the parents wish they could devote to Jennifer's brother and sister. Her parents frequently argue over the best way to handle her behavior, but agree about the severe strains Jennifer places on their marriage. Although she is above average in intelligence, Jennifer has no close friends; children who initially befriend her eventually find her rigid personality difficult to tolerate.
Over the years, Jennifer's parents have sought help from countless mental health professionals, most of whom advised them to set firmer limits and be more consistent in managing Jennifer's behavior, and instructed them on how to implement formal behavior management strategies. When such strategies failed to work, Jennifer was medicated with innumerable combinations of drugs, without dramatic effect. After eight years of medicine, advice, sticker charts, time-outs, and reward pro-grams, Jennifer has changed little since her parents first noticed there was something "different" about her when she was a toddler.
"Most people can't imagine how humiliating it is to be scared of your own daughter," Jennifer's mother once said. "People who don't have a child like Jennifer don't have a clue about what it's like to live like this. Believe me, this is not what I envisioned when I dreamed of having children. This is a nightmare."
"You can't imagine the embarrassment of having Jennifer ‘lose it' around people who don't know her," her mother continued. "I feel like telling them, ‘I have two kids at home who don't act like this — I really am a good parent!' "
"I know people are thinking, ‘What wimpy parents she must have ... what that kid really needs is a good thrashing.' Believe me, we've tried everything with her. But nobody's been able to tell us how to help her...no one's really been able to tell us what's the matter with her!"
"I hate what I've become. I used to think of myself as a kind, patient, sympathetic person. But Jennifer has caused me to act in ways I never thought I was capable of. I'm emotionally spent. I can't keep living like this."
"I know a lot of other parents who have pretty difficult children...you know, kids who are hyperactive or having trouble paying attention. I would give my left arm for a kid who was just hyperactive or having trouble paying attention! Jennifer is in a completely different league! It makes me feel very alone."
The truth is, Jennifer's mother is not alone; there are a lot of Jennifers out there. Their parents quickly discover that strategies that are usually effective for shaping the behavior of other children — such as explaining, reasoning, reassuring, nurturing, redirecting, ignoring, rewarding, and punishing —don't have the same success with their Jennifers. Even formal behavior management programs — sticker charts, contingent rewarding and punishing, and time-outs — and commonly prescribed medications have not led to satisfactory improvement. If you started reading this book because you have a Jennifer of your own, you're probably familiar with how frustrated, confused, angry, bitter, guilty, overwhelmed, worn out, and hopeless Jennifer's parents feel.
Besides oppositional-defiant disorder, children like Jennifer may be diagnosed with any of a variety of psychiatric disorders and learning inefficiencies, including attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders (bipolar disorder and depression), Tourette's disorder, anxiety disorders (including obsessive-compulsive disorder), language-processing impairments, sensory integration dysfunction, nonverbal learning disability, reactive attachment disorder, and Asperger's disorder. Such children may also be described as having difficult temperaments.
| Acknowledgments | ||
| Preface | ||
| 1 | The Waffle Episode | 1 |
| 2 | Terrible Beyond Two | 9 |
| 3 | Pathways to Inflexibility-Explosiveness | 26 |
| 4 | Inflexible-Explosive Faces | 56 |
| 5 | The Truth About Consequences | 85 |
| 6 | Corrective Lenses | 101 |
| 7 | Basket Case | 130 |
| 8 | Brain Chemistry | 180 |
| 9 | Roadmaps | 192 |
| 10 | Family Matters | 217 |
| 11 | All Things Considered | 238 |
| 12 | User-friendlier Schools | 264 |
| 13 | Change of Venue | 298 |
| 14 | Children Do Well If They Can | 309 |
| Additional Resources and Support | 315 | |
| Index | 321 | |
| About the Author | 335 |
Anonymous
Posted April 12, 2007
I've never written a review before, but after reading this book last night (yes, the whole book in one sitting), I had to write to other desparate parents out there to tell them they won't regret buying this book. We've been dealing with 'explosions' from my 5 year old son since we moved to a new town 11 months ago. I finally took him to a child psychologist a few weeks ago and after describing his behavior, she recommended this book. I stayed up really late last night reading the book and it describes my son to a TEE. I couldn't believe how accurate it is and it made me feel so much better to read about other children who act identically to him. AND to learn that it's not my parenting, it's a learning disability (according to Dr. Greene, these children have yet to learn how to deal with frustration, thus it's a learning disability but nothing that can't be taught). What's great about looking at my son's explosions this way, as opposed to him 'being difficult' or 'manic' or 'defiant' is that I'm approaching it much more calmly and compassionately. As Dr. Greene puts it, I have to be my son's frontal lobe until he can learn to verbalize and problem solve. The book offers some great, great, great insights and advice. I already implemented one of the suggestions this morning, less than 12 hours after reading the book, and it totally worked to diffuse what was turning into an 'episode' or 'explosion'. It ended up that my son did not get his way, but in the end, it seemed to him like he did because we solved the problem together. Normally, if my son doesn't get his way, he has a violent explosion. But by using the methods in this book (specifically Emergency Plan B), I was able to calm him down, talk rationally about the problem, and come to a satisfactory resolution for both of us. I can't wait to share this book with my husband, my son's grandparents and his preschool teachers.
16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 25, 2011
It was dineamite!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 6, 2001
The Explosive Child is the most helpful book on difficult children that I have ever read. My 14 year old son is described perfectly by Dr. Greene & his approach is very easy to implement. After discussing how to decide if something is really worth arguing about, he offers great ideas for teaching extremely inflexible kids how to negotiate & compromise without having a tantrum. It was reassuring to know that my son's behavior is not unique and there are practical ways of dealing (i.e. preventing) outbursts. I wish I had read this book years ago. His methods apply to all ages, including teenagers.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.RedSwan
Posted August 11, 2011
this book had some explanation of the wiring issues that can be causing the outbursts. the solutions offered however were nothing that i haven't seen other places. i think that "How to Talk so Kids Will Listen; How to Listen so Kids Will Talk" does a much better job. Greene's solutions are approaches that I think can benefit all kids, not just explosive ones. Having said that, I think "How to Talk..." is a better use of your money. The reason I chose to try this book is that I was hoping for some help with my daughter who is three and has been having tantrums where she throws, hits, and kicks that last twenty minutes on average for about 14 months. Because she is still so young, talking it over with her preemptively really doesn't help. I've tried many times. So Greene has nothing to offer if your child can't think about future events in a constructive way. There were a few helpful tidbits to remind me that she doesn't want to behave that way and that she does have a physiological delay. But beyond that, not much.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 13, 2009
This is a wonderful book for understanding an easily frustrated, explosive child. One of the key phrases in this book that I loved is "Children do well if they can." It emphasizes that an easily frustrated child is necessarily trying to make things difficult, but that they do not possess all the developmental and cognitive tools to process information and find more plausible solutions. It is our responsibility as parents, teachers, or other adults that work with children to help to teach these children more productive ways of dealing with life's challenges. I highly recommend this book!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 1, 2009
If you have an "explosive child" like I do, then this is VERY helpful and gives great insight. He helps you understand how to deal with your child's behavior in a sensible way. I'm still reading it and it has already helped me better understand where my little one is coming from. I recommend the book to all who have a child like this and doctors and therapists also, to not mis-diagosis them and give them meds that won't help.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 22, 2005
A big thanks to Dr. Greene for looking inside children with a thoughtful, hopeful approach that takes into consideration their unique wiring. This philosophy is the foundation of our own unique approach called Celebrate!ADHD...in which we restore a child's confidence, purpose and joy by focusing on the child's natural gifts, talents and passions. www.celebrateADHD.com Often times the child who is explosive and defiant also has some characteristics that we value in trailblazing entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors and entertainers. They have passion and incredible focus on their gifts, they have the persistence to continue working toward their dreams even when others say it can't be done. Let's not try to make these kids act like everyone else for our own convenience--or the convenience of teachers and schools. Let's take stock of their unique qualities, turn negatives into positives and focus their energy on their strengths. Above all, let's enjoy our children. Thanks again to Dr. Greene for his work. This book will help many parents.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 9, 2004
This book was the first of many we read that not only explained the characteristics of the problem but actually walked us through step-by-step how to help. At age four our oldest child was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD and was a terror--I was embarrassed to take him out in public, because people with 'normal' children always thought his tantrums were due to bad parenting. Initially, I was skeptical of Dr. Greene's approach, but he addressed all of my skepticisms! I would certainly recommend that parents who struggle with an inflexible, explosive child give this book a try. (Note: We used this approach in conjuction with starting medication, so it may have been the combination of the two that did the trick.)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 31, 2004
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL. IT VALIDATES MANY OF MY OWN BELIEFS. I FIND MYSELF MENTALLY REFERRING TO THE BOOK WHENEVER I'M IN TOUGH SITUATIONS AND THINKING BEFORE I RESPOND. I FEEL A LOAD TAKEN OFF MY SHOULDERS. IT'S COMFORTING TO HAVE THIS SUPPORT!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 10, 2003
This was the most helpful book in dealing with my son. Finally an approach that works!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 10, 2003
Finally a book that not only explains the reasons why my child acts the way he does - but gave me workable solutions! If your family is suffering from having a child with this disorder - order this book immediately!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 8, 2013
The school gradutation may eighth
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Posted March 21, 2013
My wife and I have been struggling with our daughter for 4 years. We had tried literally everything to get her behavior under control but nothing was working. I picked up this book and immediately I have changed my entire thought process and approach my daughters challenges from a completely different direction. It was like a golden light went off in my head. I cannot begin to explain how this book is changing my life. For any parent who is struggline with a child where behavior is the issue and you feel like you are at your witts end, you need this book. Dr. Green goes into depth exactly WHY the explosive behaviors happen and why the standard ways of dealing with them do not work. It is nothing short of amazing.
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Posted March 15, 2012
Have been a psychotherapist working exclusively with children and adolescents for the past 14 years. When working with parents who are struggling with a child who struggles with maladaptive behaviors, I without hesitation refer them to this book. As opposed to most "parenting" books, this read illustrates the importance of addressing the "why" a behavior is happening and not simply teaching traditional behavioral appoaches such as a token economy or a reward/punishment model. Courtesy of this book and the Collaborative Problem Solving approach to therapy, I have numerous examples of families I've worked with that began therapy feeling hopeless and overwhelmed only to finish therapy feeling optimisitic and connected with their once labeled "explosive child".
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Posted May 11, 2010
very informative and useful
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Posted January 16, 2010
Wonderful new innovative evidence based model!
All parents should give this a good read
LianaL
Posted December 17, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A helpful book for parents seeking effective strategies for dealing with their challenging children. As a social worker, I often recommend this book to my clients who are looking for easy to use, effective parenting strategies.
Liana Lowenstein, MSW
Author of, "Creative Interventions for Troubled Children and Youth"
This book has brought light to me about my daughters temper tantrums. I promise that you will understand your child so much better if you actually read this book and use the techniques. I felt like a parent that could not do anything right but now I feel like I'm helping us both. My daughter would all of a sudden go crazy or I would say something that would trigger her but either way it was bad. She would have short tantrums (5 to 10 minutes) and long tantrums (30 minutes and comatosed afterwards). We would never know how long it would last and it was always just involving her (she would not harm anyone else). And we had tried everything. So I have a friend who is a behavioral doctor that I begged to see my daughter because I truely thought their might be something very worng with her. And as a parent you fell so stupid not being able to help. My doctor friend saw her and told me that nothing was wrong that was going to hurt her, but she was probably delayed in the emotional development part of her brain. He then told me to read this book....The Best Thing I Have Ever Read!!! It really helps!
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Posted August 12, 2009
I don't usually turn to parenting literature to solve problems at home, but when my three year old's outbursts started to escalate I began to desperately search for a good approach. This book provides a well developed framework and a flexible strategy for helping my whole family address our daughter's explosions. Instead of her explosions ruining her (and our) whole day, we have managed to reduce their frequency and intensity. This is a great guide for all parents, not just children with chronic explosiveness. All kids/adults go through some phases when they are inflexible, and this book is helpful for everyone.
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Posted January 17, 2007
This book is helpful for parents with difficult children. It addresses the causes of oppositional behaviors, temper tantrums, etc.. There is plenty of good practical advice.
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Overview
What′s an explosive child? A child who responds to routine problems with extreme frustration-crying, screaming, swearing, kicking, hitting, biting, spitting, destroying property, and worse. A child whose frequent, severe outbursts leave his or her parents feeling frustrated, scared, worried, and desperate for help. Most of these parents have tried everything-reasoning, explaining, punishing, sticker charts, therapy, medication-but to no avail. They can't figure out why their child acts the way he or she does; ...