Hello Everyone,

Generally, kids do well when they can. When they fall short of their goals it is often because they lack the skills to do so, not because they don’t want to do well. These two thoughts are the central tenets of the Dr. Ross Greene (Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) approach to responding to challenging behaviours.

Challenging behaviours are ones that emerge when the demands or expectations of the person exceed their skills or abilities.  Children tell us with their behaviours when they’re struggling to meet demands and expectations. Commonly, this may look like, whining, pouting, sulking, withdrawing, crying, screaming, swearing, hitting, spitting, kicking, throwing, lying, stealing etc.. However, what a kid does when they are having trouble meeting demands and expectations isn’t the most important part (though it may feel that way). What is ultimately more important for the child and those supporting them are why and when they are doing these things. Answering these two questions (why and when) is critical to supporting children, particularly when they are involved in challenging behaviours.

This week I wanted to highlight a number of resources that may assist you and your child when challenging behaviours show up. Dr Ross Greene has produced an ongoing podcast which has a lot of great information and tips for supporting and working through challenging behaviours with your child. Moreover, it examines the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model as well as tips for assessing the why’s and when’s associated with your child’s challenging behaviours.  The podcast is developed in association with Lives in the Balance and can be found on ITunes or by clicking on the image below:

 

 

 

Dr.Greene has also written a number of great books on the subject that are well worth exploring. These books are available from your local library and most book sellers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Greene also has a Youtube channel that can be located at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/DrRossGreene/videos

You are not alone. Besides actively collaborating with school staff, parenting groups are a great way to maintain your own mental health while collaborating with other parents and expert group facilitators. In these groups you can expect to share best practices, tips, and explore ways to help your child develop their skills. One FREE local parenting group is the CONNECT parenting group (currently operating online). Information on future meeting times and contacts in Burnaby and the Lower Mainland can be found here:

Connect Parenting Group 

Have a great week!