Determining size of the problem
Which type of problem can be solved easily, affects only 1-2 people, and does not impact mood or other situations?
Low level/ small problem
Your classmate is not doing their work.
Little Problem. It is not affecting you. You're not scared or worried, you're not in danger and there is no destruction. Let the teacher handle on their own time in their own way.
Your mom won't buy you your favorite snack.
Little problem
This skill will help you learn to express concerns and ask for help when needed.
Effective communication
Why is it important to differentiate between big and small problems?
It makes it easier to be reflective on our reactions
Which type of problem takes more time to solve, impacts more people, stronger feelings are involved (disappointment, frustration, confusion), and may need help to work through it.
Medium sized problem
You forget to do your homework.
Little, you can explain to your teacher and ask for an extension.
You have several F's in school and your parents grounded you.
Little, our actions have consequences.
This skill will help you understand how your actions and decisions can impact others.
Empathy
How can understanding the size of a problem help us in decision-making and problem-solving?
Knowing how urgent it is and who to go to for help.
What type of problem takes extended time to work through, impacts a group or community, very strong/uncomfortable feelings (anger, grief, sadness) are involved, and requires a lot of help and support.
Large sized/ Big problem
You didn't have time to eat breakfast.
Little, take a quick break and grab a snack before class if needed or grab breakfast in the cafeteria.
You are fighting with your sibling constantly.
Medium, this could have lasting impacts on your relationship and affect your family.
This skill will help you develop strategies to address and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
Conflict resolution
What strategies can we use to determine if a problem is big or small?
Ask yourself how many people does this impact, how long will it take to solve, and what emotions are coming up.
If you are unsure of the size of your problem what can you do?
Consult with friends, family, trusted adult.
Someone tells you that they are being bullied.
Medium problem, you should report to an adult.
You find out a beloved family member has a terminal illness.
Medium/Big, this impacts a lot of people and likely will take up much of the families time.
This skill will help you recognize your emotions and how they influence decision-making.
Self-awareness
When is it appropriate to ask for help when facing a problem? How can we determine who to ask for help?
When we can't do it alone. Who is someone supportive in our life.
If you are constantly framing small problems as big problems what will the outcome likely be?
People will not believe you or may feel less inclined to help.
There if a fire in your classroom.
Big problem-- this is an emergency that can affect a lot of people. Inform an adult immediately and follow all safety protocols.
You fall down and suspect that you have broken your arm.
Big problem, get to the hospital ASAP to get checked
This skill will help you build the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.
Resilience
Can you think of a situation where you misjudged the size of a problem? How did this affect your decision-making and the outcome?
Answer