If you're new to Collaborative Problem Solving, this is a good place to start. If you're not new to the model, this is a good place to stay fresh on key concepts. The model sets forth two major tenets. First, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in kids are best understood as the byproduct of lagging cognitive skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving (rather than as attention-seeking, manipulative, limit-testing, or a sign of poor motivation). In other words, challenging behavior is a form of developmental delay. Second, these challenges are best addressed by collaboratively resolving the problems that are setting the stage for challenging behavior (rather than through reward and punishment programs and intensive imposition of adult will). Organized by important tenets of the model (and in logical sequence from top to bottom), each topic area is explained by Dr. Greene (filmed at a presentation in Regina, Saskatchewan, in April, 2009). Why is Collaborative Problem Solving important? Because challenging kids are still very poorly understood and therefore treated in ways that are unhelpful and counterproductive...and that place them at risk for adverse long-term outcomes...and it doesn't have to be that way.