How Big is My Problem?
For Kids: Learn to understand your problems
Click on each level to learn more about it
Emergency
You definitely need help from a grownup (fire, someone is hurt and needs to go to the hospital, a car accident, danger).
Examples:
- •Someone is bleeding a lot
- •There's a fire
- •Someone can't breathe
- •A stranger is trying to hurt you
Gigantic problem
You can change with a lot of help (getting lost, hitting, kicking, or punching a friend, throwing or breaking things, bullying).
Examples:
- •You got lost in a store
- •You hit your friend
- •You broke something important
- •Someone is bullying you or a friend
Big problem
You can change with some help (someone is mean to you or takes something that is yours, a minor accident, needing help calming down).
Examples:
- •Someone took your toy without asking
- •You fell and scraped your knee
- •You're too upset to calm down alone
- •Your friend won't share
Medium problem
You can change with a little help (feeling sick, tired, or hungry, someone bothering you, being afraid, needing help).
Examples:
- •Your tummy hurts a little
- •You're tired and cranky
- •Someone is annoying you
- •You're scared of the dark
Little problem
You can change with a little reminder (not being line leader, not winning a game, not taking turns, making a mess).
Examples:
- •You didn't get to be first
- •You lost a game
- •You have to wait your turn
- •You spilled your juice
Glitch
You can fix yourself (changing clothes, cleaning up toys, forgetting favorite toy at home).
Examples:
- •Your shirt is on backwards
- •You forgot to put your toys away
- •You dropped a crayon
- •Your shoe came untied
Tips for Using the Problem Scale
Think First
Before you react, stop and think: "How big is this problem really?"
Size Matters
Big reactions for little problems can make things worse. Match your reaction to the problem size.
You\'re Learning
Every time you solve a problem, you get better at it. You\'re becoming a problem-solving superhero!
It\'s Okay to Ask
Asking for help doesn\'t mean you\'re weak. It means you\'re smart enough to know when you need support.