Book Review: The Explosive Child by Ross Greene

19 hours ago3 min read

Introduction: Parenting in DEFCON 1

Parenting a challenging kid is like playing Minesweeper on expert mode, except the mines yell, throw Legos, and refuse to eat anything that isn’t beige. Enter The Explosive Child by Ross Greene—a book that promises to transform tantrums into teamwork and give frazzled parents their sanity back.

But does it deliver? Spoiler: Yes, but not without making you rethink everything you thought you knew about discipline.

The Premise: It’s Not About “Bad Parenting”

Dr. Ross Greene’s approach is refreshingly simple: Kids do well if they can. Let that sink in. If your child isn’t behaving, it’s not because they’re lazy, manipulative, or the spawn of Loki—it’s because they lack the skills to handle a specific situation.

Greene introduces the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, which flips traditional discipline on its head. Instead of punishing “bad” behavior, CPS focuses on identifying triggers, building skills, and working together with your child to solve problems.

What Works: The Good, the Great, and the Mind-Blowing

1. The “Plan B” Approach

Greene’s CPS method revolves around “Plan B,” a three-step process:

Empathy: Understand your child’s perspective.
Define the Problem: Share your own concerns.
Collaborate: Brainstorm solutions together.

This isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s a structured way to address behavior without yelling, bribing, or power struggles. It’s like mediation for families, minus the suit and gavel.

2. The Humor Factor

Greene writes with a wit and relatability that makes you feel seen as a parent. He doesn’t judge you for losing your cool or for secretly Googling, “boarding schools for 5-year-olds.” Instead, he acknowledges how tough it is and offers practical, no-nonsense advice.

3. Real-Life Examples

The book is packed with case studies that are so relatable it’s eerie. Whether your kid refuses homework, explodes at bedtime, or turns every meal into a hostage negotiation, Greene provides actionable strategies.

What’s Missing: A Few Explosions of My Own

1. Not a Magic Wand

While Greene’s methods are game-changing, they require patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the chaos. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this isn’t it. The CPS model is more marathon than sprint.

2. Where’s the “Parent Survival Guide”?

Greene is fantastic at addressing kids’ needs, but what about us parents who are running on caffeine and existential dread? A little more focus on self-care (beyond “hang in there”) would’ve been nice.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you’re parenting a child who:

Throws tantrums that could rival a Broadway performance,
Resists authority like a tiny anarchist, or
Leaves you questioning every life choice by 9 a.m.,

…then The Explosive Child is for you.

Even if your child isn’t “explosive,” the book’s emphasis on empathy and collaboration makes it a valuable read for any parent.

Key Takeaways: Parenting, Reimagined

Behavior Is Communication: Kids aren’t acting out “just because.” There’s always an underlying reason.
Punishment Doesn’t Teach Skills: Consequences might stop the behavior temporarily, but they won’t solve the root problem.
Collaboration > Control: Working with your child builds trust and long-term solutions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Read?

Absolutely. Greene doesn’t just offer solutions—he offers hope. The Explosive Child is like having a wise, slightly sarcastic parenting coach in your corner, reminding you that you’re not alone and that even the most challenging kids have the potential to thrive.

So grab a copy, a highlighter, and maybe a glass of wine. Parenting isn’t easy, but with Greene’s help, it can be a little less explosive.

Need more parenting strategies tailored to your family’s needs? Call or text 614-470-4466, email admin@achievepsychology.org, or visit www.achievepsychology.org for expert support and resources.

Works Cited

Greene, R. (2021). The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children.
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS). (2023). "Parenting Resources and Techniques." Lives in the Balance.

A photorealistic image of a stressed but determined parent sitting at a kitchen table with an open book, surrounded by sticky notes, crayons, and a kid mid-tantrum in the background. The scene is humorous but relatable, capturing both the chaos and the hope in parenting.