Collaborative Problem Solving: Supporting Teens with Challenging Behavior 馃
Collaborative Problem Solving: Supporting Teens with Challenging Behavior 馃
When teens display disruptive or challenging behaviors, it’s easy to jump to punishment or immediate consequences. However, research and clinical experience show that collaborative, interactive approaches can lead to longer-lasting behavioral change and improved relationships.
One effective method is Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), developed by Dr. Ross Greene. CPS emphasizes understanding the why behind a teen’s behavior, rather than focusing solely on the behavior itself. By working together, caregivers and teens can identify unmet needs, skill deficits, and mutually agreeable solutions.
My Professional Experience
In my work across offices, hospitals, and both private and public sectors, I have supported families and teens navigating challenging behaviors. Collaborating closely with parents, teachers, and care teams has allowed me to apply Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) principles effectively in real-life situations, tailoring strategies to each teen’s unique needs.
I know it takes time and effort, but working proactively—such as using antecedent interventions to teach skills, implement structures, and practice problem-solving—can help prevent challenging behaviors before they occur. Additionally, this approach allows us to cultivate life skills and independence in teens, equipping them with tools for self-regulation, decision-making, and successful interactions both at home and in the community.
Key Steps in CPS:
Empathy Step – Understand the teen’s perspective. Ask open-ended questions:
“Can you help me understand what makes this task difficult for you?”
Define the Problem – Clearly describe the challenge without blame:
“We’re struggling to get homework done on time, and it’s causing stress for both of us.”
Invitation Step – Collaboratively brainstorm solutions:
Ask your teen: “What are some ideas that might make this easier for you while also helping me feel supported?”
Brief Example
Imagine a teen refuses to clean their room and argues every time. Using CPS:
Empathy: Parent asks,
“I notice homework seems really frustrating for you. Can you help me understand what part feels hardest right now?”
Define the Problem: Parent says,
“We both want you to finish your homework so you can feel prepared and less stressed, but right now it’s creating tension for both of us.”
Invitation: Parent and teen brainstorm solutions together, such as:
Breaking the homework into smaller, manageable chunks
Setting a timer for short work periods with breaks
Creating a checklist of tasks to track progress
Instead of a power struggle, the teen feels heard and participates in solving the problem.
You can also watch a video explaining this approach and practical strategies on my YouTube channel:
馃摵 CPS and Managing Challenging Behaviors
Reflection
As I often say:
“Small steps toward understanding create big changes in behavior and relationships.” – Dr. Francheska Tirado
Consider these questions after trying CPS with your teen:
What did I learn about my teen’s perspective that I didn’t know before?
Which solutions did my teen suggest that I hadn’t thought of?
How did our interaction feel different than past conflicts?
References
Greene, R. W. (2014). The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children. 3rd Edition. HarperCollins.
Greene, R. W. (2016). Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them. Scribner.
Ross Greene, Collaborative Problem Solving https://www.livesinthebalance.org
Y recuerda siempre: peque帽os aprendizajes crean grandes cambios. -Dra. Francheska Tirado
