The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically I

Family Matters 221

sure the grandparents are “with the program.” If grand-
parents are an integral part of the family unit they need
to be brought into the loop. Even if the grandparents
don’t spend much time with the child—but never miss
an opportunity to remind the parents that what the child
really needs is a good kick in the pants—they need to be
enlightened about why their ideas aren’t going to work
with their explosive grandchild.

DRAMA IN REAL LIFE

Rules of Communicating

When Mitchell, the fifteen-year-old ninth grader

you met in Chapter 3, and his parents arrived for their

second session, the therapist was advised that it had

been a difficult week.

“We can’t talk to him anymore—about anything—

without him going crazy,” said his mother.

“THAT’S NOT SO, MOTHER!” Mitchell boomed.

“I’m not going to sit here and listen to you exaggerate.”

“Why don’t you stand then?” the father cracked.

Mitchell paused, reflecting on his father’s words. “If

you were joking, then you’re even less funny than I

thought you were,” he said. “If you weren’t, then

you’re dumber than I thought you were.”