Homeschool Community

Has anyone read Dr. Ross Greene's book -"The Explosive Child" and the concepts behind Collaborative Problem Solving for neuro-challenged children?  If so what do you think of it?  Do you utilize the techniques and what are your results?

~a

Yes, I am very familiar.  I've read his books, have the cd and not only heard him speak, but have been to his clinic outside of Boston.  Our entired education system should be rooted with his philosophies about how to deal with children. Whether a chlild has a "thing" - whatever neurological or physical disorder or none at all, every brain is wired differently.  While it takes a lot of work to become proficient at how to use his language and how to really implement his strategies, using his methodology as a base it is absolutely worth the effort.  I'm waiting for his group to start establishing schools that utilize his model.  The mantra I use and his believers cling to is the truest statement about children every made: "CHILDREN DO WELL... IF THEY CAN".  Children do not wake up in the morning and say, "Gee, how can I mess up my life today.  I hope I can get expelled.  And it sure would be nice to tick off mom and dad today?"as most school districts think and act upon.  We need to help them help themselves and see how to Problem Solve by collaboratively working with them to teach them strategies, how to hear and process information differently and how to take care of themselves.  We don't help our kids by doing it for them or making excuses for them.  Children (as with any adult really) WANT to do well.  Our job as parents - and certainly the job of educators, although there are few out there - is to help children succeed so that they are productive and decent human beings and members of society.  So yes, in answer to your question (forgive my pontificating, but having been masacred in our school district - hence my now homeschooling - I am pationate about this): yes, I am familiar with Dr. Greene and his wonderful partner Dr. Stuart Ablon and would go to hear them speak at any time if it were local enough (best presentation on ANYTHING I've ever heard in my life), would read anything they've written, would listen to any cd or watch any video they suggest or are apart of.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.  Christine V

Thanks for your input!  I absolutely love the concepts that Dr. Greene suggests and his theory.  I would love to hear him speak...maybe one day.

 ~a

You probably know already, but he has a great website, too. Center for Collaborative Problem Solving  www.ccps.org  It lists his and Ablon's schedule.  You would also love EVERYTHING out of the mouth of Dr. Mel Levine.  www.allkindsofminds.org  another genius who actually "gets it" and tries to tell these school districts how to do the right thing.  Good luck.

C

DR Greene's collborative approach relies on parental involvement, which brings his theory back to what I believe is most relevant when it comes to children's development and emotional needs. RELATIONAL APPROACHES to behavior modification are most effective and regardless of the theoretical label, coercive, collaborative, whatever...it's all relational. These are not new ideas. Applying them effectively is, though. We need providers who can remain consistent in communication and relationship with both parents and children for this to work. Establishing a positive relationship with the caregiver as well as the child is a daunting task, but worth the effort! Let me know if you want to talk more about effective relational approaches, which have been proven with research to be most effective as change inspiring.  

School Districts can only do what parents allow them to do. Geene's collaboraive approach calls on parental involvement, so Districts struggle to get this. I know we are the choir here, and we would do what it takes, but many Districts cannot bridge the gap well if parents are not involved. The question and challenge is getting them involved! RELATIONAL approaches work to establish this collaboration between parent and schools. Think about what makes homeschooling work...it's focusing on relational strengths. Districts need to do the same. DR LC