What is Problem-Solving?
Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
The purpose of this task is to assess the level of a problem, identify the level of emotional reaction, and walk through problem-solving solutions. Sometimes children’s reactions are much bigger in relation to the actual problem. This helps to put things into perspective.
Assessing the Level of the Problem
- Start with a picture of a thermometer
- Identify the level of different problems
- Start with a small problem such as stubbing your toe and write it in on the bottom
- Discuss a big problem such as watching your house on fire and write that in on the top
- Discuss the reactions to various problems matching the level of the problem.
- Stubbing your toe- reaction would be groaning
- Watching your house on fire- reaction might be crying and being very upset
Talk about various types of problems and identify where on the thermometer they would be in relation to stubbing your toe or your house being on fire.
- Missing the bus
- Breaking your arm
- Loss of a pet
- Upset friend
If the child seems to rate a problem as very high, ask if it is the same as their house being on fire? If the answer is no, tell them that we can work through some ideas. Explain that you can even work through solutions for their house being on fire.
Emotional Reactions
Start with printing a worksheet of different emotions and discussing what each emotion looks and feels like.
Explain that the emotional reaction is typically at the same level as the problem. Ask the child if they would feel as upset stubbing their toe as they would if their home was on fire.
- Missing the bus- frustration and disappointment but easily remedied
- Breaking your arm- pain and sadness
- Loss of a pet- sadness and grief
- Upset friend- confusion and sadness
Possible Consequences/ Solutions
Make web graphic organizers to help them see the possible solutions or consequences of the problem
- Missing the bus- parent/guardian taking you to school, being late, etc
- Breaking your arm- going to the hospital, being in a cast temporarily, etc
- Loss of a pet- grieving for the pet, keeping pictures of the pet, etc
- Upset friend- talking to the friend, working through the issue, etc
Completing this task helps the child to understand the levels of various problems and to seek solutions. Teach them to ask themselves the questions:
- Is this really a big problem?
- Is this problem the same as my house being on fire?
- Are there possible solutions to help the problem?
- Which solution seems to be the best option?
Dissect Each Problem
- What is the problem?
- What would be the emotional reaction?
- List possible solutions
- Discuss possible outcomes with each solution with visuals
- Chose the option that seems to be the best fit
- Now that there is an identified solution, should the problem remain or move down on the thermometer?
If the child is reacting negatively to something at another time, you can revisit the question ‘is this problem the same as your house being on fire?’ and ‘can we try to work through this together to problem-solve?’