My child is challenging in the typical way kids are challenging – e.g., won't do chores, won't stop playing video games, won't brush teeth, etc. Is the CPS approach a good fit for that kind of child or is it more geared toward very challenging/explosive kids?
While Think:Kids is known for its effectiveness with very challenging kids (because so many other approaches fail with these kids), the Collaborative Problem Solving approach is for parents of any and all children – from mildly challenging to very challenging...and even not challenging at all. CPS is a compassionate, effective and transformative parenting approach that pursues and accomplishes important parenting goals, such as getting your expectations met, reducing challenging behavior, building a child's skills, and strengthening the parent-child relationship.
For what age child is the Collaborative Problem Solving approach best suited?
The Collaborative Problem Solving approach can be used with children ages 3-18. Parents of children younger than three can still benefit tremendously from the shift in mindset from conventional wisdom to the CPS philosophy.
With younger children, parents often need to scaffold the CPS conversation more than with older children. As the child matures and his/her skills increase, the child will be able to increasingly engage in the CPS conversation.
With younger children, parents often need to scaffold the CPS conversation more than with older children. As the child matures and his/her skills increase, the child will be able to increasingly engage in the CPS conversation.
Should I take the CPS workshop with my spouse?
Because CPS introduces an entirely new philosophy and approach to parenting, it is ideal if both parents learn CPS so they have a shared understanding of their child's challenging behavior, a common language for discussing issues that arise, and a consistent parenting approach for problem-solving, which benefits the child.
If both spouses are able to take the 4-week workshop simultaneously, they can fill out the child assessment worksheets together as well as practice and support each other for the duration of the workshop and beyond.
If both spouses are able to take the 4-week workshop simultaneously, they can fill out the child assessment worksheets together as well as practice and support each other for the duration of the workshop and beyond.
How is the weekly format advantageous in learning the CPS approach?
Learning CPS in a weekly format is advantageous in that it is an iterative learning process, which results in a deeper understanding of the philosophy and approach; parents have the opportunity to practice between sessions and return to the group for feedback and problem-solving; and, finally, parents benefit from the validation, comfort and support of other parents facing similar situations. If one does not have time for a weekly workshop, alternative ways to learn CPS include the on-line training or the book, The Explosive Child, by Ross Greene.