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

This book was loaned to me in an effort to better understand my soon-to-be stepson and to understand myself. I was extremely cynical about the methods proposed in this book, but the author raised the same issues, and addressed them with respect and without sarcasm or dismissal. Definitely worth the read. I might suggest an addition to the already long title: "and Parents"

Finally a book on *teaching* children to manage frustration and upset rather than trying to *motivate* them to do it. Some kids just need to be motivated, but some honestly don't know how. My autistic son is one of them.

Now, most of these strategies I know how to do (let some things go, de-escalate, negotiate) but the reminder was nice. Plus, I can give this book to other caregivers who don't know how to stop triggering meltdowns- it doesn't just explain how, but also WHY to react this way instead of just punishing a child after the fact.

I had seen this book around, but I knew I had to read it when it was quite literally thrown at me from across the room by a child throwing a violent temper tantrum. I’m glad I did.

Liked the conceptual framework a lot. The emphasis on collaborative, empathetic problem solving is great.

Thought the anecdotes are a bit too tidy and a bit too long - probably not realistic to find resolution so simply.

This has been a helpful book to me, in dealing with an explosive eight-year-old boy.

Empathizing, detailing concerns, and inviting him to help me meet both of our needs helps to minimize the outbursts, and has taught me, perhaps most importantly, to understand why I am giving the rules and limitations I am. A parent who says no, just for the sake of establishing dominance is doing nothing worthwhile for the child. I regret that I am sometimes that parent.

This book was a necessity and was rather helpful. Imagine a normal, intelligent child who is able to focus for the most part, but in certain instances explodes suddenly into a rage over trivial things. The Explosive Child tells the story of such children and gives explanations of how to deal with such children, why they may act in such a way, and how to recognize and prevent such occurrences before they get out of control.

While you may think, "Oh no, another disorder to labe...moreThis book was a necessity and was rather helpful. Imagine a normal, intelligent child who is able to focus for the most part, but in certain instances explodes suddenly into a rage over trivial things. The Explosive Child tells the story of such children and show more gives explanations of how to deal with such children, why they may act in such a way, and how to recognize and prevent such occurrences before they get out of control.

While you may think, "Oh no, another disorder to label children with," Dr. Greene clearly separates the inflexible/explosive child from the pack of dysfunctional children with such disorders as ADHD, tourettes, or autism. His methods for dealing with an inflexible/explosive child require more discipline for the adult than for the child, but are logical and effective. Consequences for misbehavior to a child who already knows they are acting in an unacceptable way, could be counter-productive to developing the skills required for dealing with their inflexibility to change. Greene shows you how to recognize the signs of a meltdown before the child loses all control and tells you how to counter it with empathy and understanding.

This is a good book for all caregivers and teachers; especially those who work with preschool and grade school students. It is also important for any parent with a child that they have lost hope and patience for. show less

This ended up not being a book that was applicable to my family, but I did recommend it to some of my friends whom it would be more applicable.
With that being said, it was well written and I felt like the basket idea could still be used on upset children. However I will probably have mostly basket B and basket A, and not many basket Cs.