Ever wondered why your child's "difficult" behavior keeps happening over and over, no matter what consequences you try?
What if I told you that your child's explosive meltdowns aren't actually about defiance or manipulation—but are their way of communicating that there's a problem they don't know how to solve?
My guest, Kim Hopkins, completely shifted my understanding of children's challenging behavior during our powerful conversation. As a licensed clinical social worker and Director of Learning and Resources with Dr. Ross Green's organization—the author of the groundbreaking book "The Explosive Child"—Kim has spent over 25 years discovering that traditional behavior modification techniques often make things worse, not better.
If you've ever felt lost trying to help a child who seems to explode over the smallest things, Dr. Green's book has been a lifeline for countless families. And Kim works directly with him to bring these life-changing strategies to parents and professionals around the world.
In this eye-opening interview, Kim reveals how we can help our children develop the skills they need to handle life's challenges while building stronger relationships in the process.
You'll discover:
Why the phrase "kids do well if they can" changes everything about how we approach discipline—and what to do when they can't
The crucial difference between focusing on behavior modification versus solving underlying problems
How to identify which of your child's struggles to work on first when you feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to change
Why collaborative problem-solving with your child is actually higher accountability than punishment
The three-step process for partnering with your child to solve problems together—even with young kids who don't communicate with words yet
How to use "Plan C" to temporarily reduce conflict while you work on higher priority issues
Why children who seem "well-behaved" at school might still benefit from this approach
The specific assessment tool that helps you understand exactly which skills your child is struggling to access
Kim vulnerably shares her own story of working in residential care, where they were restraining children who couldn't live at home—until she discovered Dr. Green's approach and saw "nothing short of remarkable" results, even before they became skilled at the model.
Most importantly, she challenges the belief that we need to be punitive to raise good citizens, showing us how collaborative problem-solving actually teaches children the skills they'll need as adults.
Ready to move from constant power struggles to genuine partnership with your child? This conversation will give you the tools to help them develop the problem-solving skills they need while strengthening your connection.
If you're tired of feeling like you're constantly managing one crisis after another and want to create the calm, collaborative home you've been dreaming of, I'm starting a small group where we'll work through Dr. Laura Markham's Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook together over 6 weeks. Just 8 spots available, and I'll be there to guide you through every step.
You can find all the details at https://www.delightinparenting.com/workbook-group. Your child is waiting for you to show up differently—this is how you learn to do it. There are only a few spots left, and doors for registration close tonight. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about Kim Hopkins:
https://livesinthebalance.org/
Connect with Dajana Yoakley
Step #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.
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