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 MY SPOUSE PARTICIPATE IN COACHING?
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 participate simultaneously, they can fill out the child assessment worksheets together as well as practice and support each other for the duration of coaching and beyond.
If both spouses are able to participate simultaneously, they can fill out the child assessment worksheets together as well as practice and support each other for the duration of coaching 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. Additionally, parents have the opportunity to practice applying the approach between sessions and then get regular feedback over time on their implementation efforts.