Problem Size Guide for Parents
Teaching children to assess and respond appropriately to problems
Last updated: December 2024
Emergency/Crisis
Immediate danger requiring emergency services or professional intervention
Examples:
- • Medical emergency (severe injury, allergic reaction, unconsciousness)
- • Fire, flood, or other immediate danger
- • Child is missing or in danger
Your Response:
Call 911 immediately. Ensure safety first. Document everything. Follow up with appropriate professionals.
Major Problem
Serious behavioral or safety issues requiring immediate parent intervention
Examples:
- • Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting others)
- • Destruction of property
- • Running away or hiding in public places
Your Response:
Stop the behavior immediately. Remove child from situation. Implement consequences. May need professional help if recurring.
Significant Challenge
Behavioral issues requiring structured intervention and follow-up
Examples:
- • Repeated defiance or rule-breaking
- • Social conflicts with peers
- • Academic struggles or school refusal
Your Response:
Address calmly but firmly. Implement consistent consequences. Create action plan. Monitor progress over time.
Common Challenge
Typical childhood issues requiring guidance and redirection
Examples:
- • Not following routine tasks (homework, chores)
- • Minor sibling conflicts
- • Whining or complaining
Your Response:
Use calm redirection. Remind of expectations. Natural consequences often work. Stay consistent.
Minor Issue
Small problems that children can mostly handle with minimal guidance
Examples:
- • Disappointment over small things
- • Minor disagreements with friends
- • Forgetting non-essential items
Your Response:
Encourage problem-solving. Offer minimal help. Use as teaching moment for independence.
Glitch/Non-issue
Tiny problems children should handle independently
Examples:
- • Dropping something
- • Minor wardrobe issues
- • Choosing between equal options
Your Response:
Let child handle it. Praise independence. Only step in if asked or if child is genuinely stuck.
- • Stay calm - model regulation
- • Validate feelings first
- • Help identify problem size
- • Guide appropriate response
- • Practice when calm
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