Collaborative Problem Solving for Parents

Our evidence-based approach, developed at Massachusetts General Hospital, is a big mind-shift when it comes to understanding your child’s behavior and what to do about it. Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed practice that helps kids meet expectations, reduces concerning behavior, builds children’s skills, and improves family relationships.

You’ll learn how to partner with the children in your life to identify the triggers for their challenging behavior, and work together to produce a game plan for how to handle problems before they happen. Collaborative Problem Solving avoids using power, control, and motivational procedures. Instead, it focuses on collaborating with children to solve the problems leading to them not meeting expectations and displaying problematic behavior.

Collaborative Problem Solving is designed to meet the needs of all children at all ages, including those with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. It promotes the understanding that kids who have trouble meeting expectations or managing their behavior lack the skill—not the will—to do so. These children struggle with skills related to problem-solving, flexibility, and frustration tolerance and Collaborative Problem Solving builds these skills.

Transform Discipline at Home

Are you tired of the meltdowns, nagging, yelling, and constant power struggles between you and your child? If behavior charts, rewards, and punishments aren't working, we know why! Research shows kids with challenging behavior lack the skill, not the will, to behave.

Traditional discipline is broken, it doesn’t result in improved behavior or improved relationships between adults and children. The Collaborative Problem Solving approach is an effective form of relational discipline that reduces concerning behavior and parent stress while building skills and relationships between adults and children.

A Mother’s Story

Ways You Can Learn More

Join one of our courses to learn more about Collaborative Problem Solving.

Understanding Thinking Skills

Have you wondered why a child or an adult you know struggles to meet certain expectations or manage their behavior?

This 1-hour, self-paced, free course teaches the five Thinking Skills we all use to manage our behavior and meet expectations.

Enroll Now

Parent Caregiver Course Banner

Parents & Caregivers, learn how you can help your kids meet expectations and improve your relationship!

This 1.5-hour, self-paced course introduces the principles of Collaborative Problem Solving® while outlining how the approach can meet your family's needs.
Tuition: $39
Enroll Now

Parent Class Banner Image

Parents, guardians, families, and caregivers are invited to register for our supportive 8-week, online course to learn Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS), the evidence-based and trauma-informed approach for helping children develop the skills they need to manage their behavior.

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The Results

Our research has shown that the Collaborative Problem Solving approach helps kids and adults build crucial social-emotional skills and leads to dramatic decreases in behavior problems across various settings including schools, residential, in and outpatient treatment, and homes. Results reported by parents, pediatricians, and outpatient therapists include improved behavior and reductions in caregiver stress.

Significant reduction in parent stress
Pediatricians Rate 81% Improved
Improves child parent relations
ADHD and ODD Symptoms Decrease Significantly
Improves Executive Functioning

Collaborative Problem Solving in Action

Watch these examples of Collaborative Problem Solving conversations to get an idea of what it is all about.

What Our Families Say

“Collaborative Problem Solving has been a life-changer for us. It made me cry to see that someone recognized my child was not just bad.”
Jessica Hannon, Parent New York Times
"The training has significantly improved my relationship with both my daughter and my wife. We now have a common, caring, effective parenting approach, which is improving lagging skills and behaviors. Much appreciated! Thank you!"
Parent Class Attendee
"Our family is so grateful for your research, your work, and for you and your colleagues for creating a platform to speak for our children. We felt so alone, lost and so small trying to advocate for our son. I am even moved to tears writing this because the impact of it all is overwhelming and incredible. It is such a priceless gift. Thank you again, with immense gratitude."
Parent of 8-year old boy
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