Lives in the Balance

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Lives in the Balance, a non-profit organization founded by
Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School, provides free resources to parents, teachers and other caregivers of kids with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Lives in the Balance is the non-profit organization founded by Dr. Ross Greene--author of the books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Fou

nd, and Raising Human Beings--to provide resources and support to parents, teachers, and other caregivers of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

06/03/2026

Here’s a close look at a Plan B conversation in action:

Empathy:
“I’ve noticed it’s been hard to get into bed after brushing your teeth. What’s up?”

Define Adult Concern:
“I’m concerned bedtime is getting later and it’s making the next day harder because you might not be getting enough sleep.”

Invitation:
“I’m wondering if there’s a way for you to not feel rushed after brushing your teeth and still get into bed earlier so the next day goes more smoothly. Any ideas?”

Many educators are already thinking about next school year. Instead of focusing on behavior systems or discipline plans,...
06/01/2026

Many educators are already thinking about next school year. Instead of focusing on behavior systems or discipline plans, start by identifying unsolved problems.

Example unsolved problem: “Difficulty starting independent journaling work after instructions are given.”

When the expectation is clear, the next step is Plan B:
• Empathy – Gather the student’s perspective
• Define the Adult Concern – Share why the expectation matters
• Invitation – Work together on a realistic solution

The goal is solving the problems that lead to concerning behavior.

Dr. Ross Greene often reminds us: concerning behavior is late.It’s a signal that a child is having difficulty meeting an...
05/27/2026

Dr. Ross Greene often reminds us: concerning behavior is late.

It’s a signal that a child is having difficulty meeting an expectation.

For example:
“Difficulty remaining seated during independent reading.”

If we focus only on discipline, we miss what’s really going on and we miss our opportunity to help rewrite the ending to the story.

TOMORROW'S PROGRAM! 🎤 You don't want to miss these brilliant speakers! If you’re raising, teaching, or supporting kids r...
05/20/2026

TOMORROW'S PROGRAM! 🎤 You don't want to miss these brilliant speakers!

If you’re raising, teaching, or supporting kids right now, it’s hard to ignore the level of concern about technology. There’s a steady drumbeat of worry about mental health, attention, social development, and what all of this means for kids’ futures.

At Lives in the Balance, we’re hosting a virtual (and recorded!) summit on May 20th that creates space for a "below the surface" conversation. One that takes concerns seriously, while also digging into the research, the nuance, and the wide range of kids’ experiences, including neurodivergent youth.

Join us for a conversation with researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders who are working to better understand kids in a digital age and what they need from us!

https://hubs.la/Q04hfv7m0

⏰ Just Five Days Away! Are you trying to make sense of all the messages about kids and screen time—especially when it co...
05/15/2026

⏰ Just Five Days Away!

Are you trying to make sense of all the messages about kids and screen time—especially when it comes to your neurodivergent child? You might be wondering how it all fits into your parenting style?

Join us for a thoughtful conversation designed for parents, educators, clinicians, and self-advocates.

Register today: https://hubs.la/Q04gQBXV0

05/13/2026

🚨The Lives in the Balance Podcast is taking a new direction!

As we continue exploring Collaborative & Proactive Solutions, we’re also expanding into advocacy, systems change, and the policies and practices that shape how kids are treated every day.

Our newest episode, hosted by Ben Jones, Director of Legal & Policy Initiatives, explores the issue of Preschool Pushout. Every year, our youngest learners are pushed out of early childhood education settings through formal expulsions and informal exclusionary practices that leave children and families without support.

We hear from two experts and a parent not only about the depth and personal impact of this issue, but also about how we can make progress in the name of kids.

“What a tragedy it is, right at the very beginning of a child’s educational career, to be told that school isn’t the right place for them at three years old.” — Dr. Walter Gilliam

This next chapter of the podcast is about building systems rooted in compassion, dignity, and collaboration.

🎧 Listen now: https://hubs.la/Q04gx23v0

When home and school are both seeing challenges, it can be tempting for adults to compare notes and jump to solutions.In...
05/11/2026

When home and school are both seeing challenges, it can be tempting for adults to compare notes and jump to solutions.

In the CPS model, we start somewhere else: with the student’s perspective.

Example unsolved problem: "Difficulty getting started on your history homework in the evening."
If caregivers and educators are both involved, the conversation still begins with

Empathy:
“I’ve noticed it can be hard to get started on your history homework in the evening. What’s up?”

From there:
• Drill for specifics (When? Where? Which part?)
• Define the Adult Concern (learning, completion, rest)
• Invitation to work toward a plan that addresses both concerns

Mother’s Day is often about celebrating big moments. We’re thinking about the smaller ones.These moments don’t always ge...
05/10/2026

Mother’s Day is often about celebrating big moments. We’re thinking about the smaller ones.
These moments don’t always get recognized, but they matter. After all, these moments build trust and create space for kids to share what’s getting in their way.

At Lives in the Balance, we see this every day. Mothers doing the hard, patient, often invisible work of partnering with their children in new ways.

Learn more >> https://livesinthebalance.org/

This year’s Lives in the Balance Annual Summit (5/20) brings together families, educators, clinicians, and researchers t...
05/01/2026

This year’s Lives in the Balance Annual Summit (5/20) brings together families, educators, clinicians, and researchers to explore what it means to support kids in a digital world.

Instead of focusing on fear or quick fixes, we’ll center:
1. Real experiences of young people
2.The needs of neurodivergent students
3.How adults can respond with understanding and collaboration
Join thousands of participants working toward a world where kids are heard and understood.

👉 Save your spot: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Aq0KVNxfOBDdYbMxEDnghuAPYiRgJYCLAkoYZjccMq1MT3S-3H0O~AlH26J5miYNyGRFPmhFz6JG9RDiFCgd-aQIlIOnf5GMogadbIzpZvPBxJA

Children’s mental health doesn’t begin with behavior, it begins with what’s underneath it. Instead of reacting in the mo...
05/01/2026

Children’s mental health doesn’t begin with behavior, it begins with what’s underneath it. Instead of reacting in the moment, start with empathy to learn what's getting in the way

Understanding first. Solutions second.
FB Link: Get started > livesinthebalance.org

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Freeport, ME

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