What is Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)?
At The Neurodevelopmental Collective, we believe that children do well when they can. This is the heart of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), the approach developed by Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and Raising Human Beings.
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CPS starts from the understanding that challenging behavior isn’t about a child being unmotivated, “manipulative,” or oppositional. Instead, it’s usually the result of lagging skills — things like flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving — combined with demands that exceed those skills in the moment.
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Instead of asking, “How do we make this child behave?” CPS asks, “What skills does this child need, and how can we build them together?” This shift helps families move away from focusing on control, and toward building skills and connection.
JUMP TO SECTION
Why CPS Works So Well
Assumes Positive Intent
CPS operates on the belief that children want to do well, and if they aren’t, something is getting in the way. It reframes behavior as communication about skills and needs, not as defiance.
Proactive, Not Reactive
Instead of waiting for a meltdown or conflict, CPS focuses on identifying and solving problems before they lead to challenging moments.
Skill-Building
By working together to address unmet expectations, children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills they need to handle future challenges. These are lifelong skills that extend beyond school or home.
Relationship-Strengthening
Collaborative conversations foster trust, empathy, and mutual respect between children and caregivers. Parents often describe less stress and fewer power struggles once they begin using CPS.
Flexibility Across Profiles
CPS is effective for all children, but especially for those with Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA), autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent profiles where traditional behavior systems often fail.
Why Behavior Plans Often Fall Short
Traditional behavior plans focus on compliance — using rewards for “good” behavior and consequences for “bad” behavior.
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They don’t address the why behind the behavior.
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They can lead to power struggles.
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They may increase anxiety or avoidance in children who already feel overwhelmed.
CPS takes a completely different route: no sticker charts, no ‘three strikes’ rules, and no shaming or power struggles. Instead, it uses curiosity, compassion, and teamwork to solve problems in a way that works for both child and adult.
The CPS Process
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Identify Unsolved Problems
Caregivers and children work together to name the situations that cause repeated conflict or distress — without blame.
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Prioritize
Not every problem can be solved at once. CPS helps families decide which to address first based on impact and urgency.
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Plan B Conversations (the heart of CPS)
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Empathy Step – The adult listens to the child’s concerns about the problem.
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Define the Problem – The adult shares their own concerns.
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Invitation Step – Together, child and adult brainstorm realistic, mutually satisfying solutions.
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Solutions don’t have to be perfect right away — they can be tested, adjusted, and refined together.
Over time, this process reduces conflict, builds communication skills, and helps children feel capable and understood.
Who Can Benefit from CPS?
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Children whose behavior plans or reward charts haven’t worked
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Kids with PDA, autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences
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Families experiencing frequent conflict over school, routines, or transitions
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Parents wanting to strengthen their relationship with their child
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Really, any child can benefit — CPS builds the skills all humans use to solve problems and manage challenges
Resources for Learning More
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Books by Dr. Ross Greene
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The Explosive Child – Practical strategies for addressing chronic challenging behavior
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Raising Human Beings – Using CPS to guide kids toward becoming their best selves
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Official CPS Website – Lives in the Balance (free resources, videos, and guides for parents and professionals)
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Podcast & Videos – Ross Greene’s talks and Q&A sessions are available free on the Lives in the Balance site and YouTube. Many families find it helpful to watch Dr. Greene model Plan B conversations in videos before trying it themselves.