‘The Explosive Child’ by Ross W. Greene

I read ‘The Explosive Child’ written by Ross W. Greene in the month of Dec’19. The title was coming in my recommended list at Audible. I wasn’t sure if this would help me anyhow, as it seemed to me applicable for some highly angry children or for explosive children referred in the book.

So I read the preface and found the book actually highlighting the typical challenge of changing the behavior of children as a part of good parenting. I am also on the same boat. Perhaps, because of a strong desire to see my daughter to be on a trajectory of self fulfilling & healing. And, I am quite sure, most of the parents have that desire for their children.

The book encapsulates the idea of improving behavior in three segments/types of plans i.e. Plan A, Plan B & Plan C. To me, ‘Plan A’ is the one where most of the parents are working, managing & controlling, deciding the behavior for children. So, as parents, the authority rest on us. Plan B, in my opinion, is loosing the string a little bit and let the child has his/her own mind until the mutually agreed expectations are kept on being fulfilled. Plan C, is like giving control in child’s hand. I found it like running around the child to fulfill his/her whims and fancies.

I looked back to my parenting and found so many mistakes I had made & flaws I had. I have lost my cool many a times. I did scold my child on trivial issues. I sometimes, pressurized her for being a strict time keeper. I also remember reprimanded by my wife for being too lenient on some other occasions.

So, I loved the idea of ‘Plan B’ where in a parent needs to show empathy & discuss with the child about the problem area or his/her (parent’s) expectation with him (child’s). It is actually a kind of planning together & then sticking to it to get the desired/expected outcome of behavior – change.

The book is a self – help guide for all the parents & I must thank Ross W. Greene for sharing wisdom, strategies and facts with parents like me and guiding our parenting – path… Thanks!!