Whether it is at school or at home, during a family outing or an after school activity, problems have a habit of arriving without warning. For a lot of children the hard part is not the problem itself. It is knowing how to react and respond in the moment.
Why problems feel so big in the moment
A child in the middle of a problem is usually managing two things at once: the situation in front of them, and the feeling it has set off. The feeling tends to arrive first and shout loudest. Without something concrete to fall back on, many children get stuck there.
Having a familiar set of steps gives them somewhere to put their attention. It will not make the feeling disappear, but it does give them a handhold while it passes.
Worth knowing
Children rarely learn this in the heat of the moment. The steps are best introduced when everyone is calm, so they are already familiar by the time they are needed.
Where it helps
Keep it somewhere it will be seen. Families often find the same few settings are where it earns its keep.
At school
Playground disagreements, group work, a task that suddenly feels too hard.
At home
Sibling conflict, homework frustration, the small daily negotiations.
On family outings
Unfamiliar places and broken routines, where plans change without warning.
At extracurriculars
Sport, music and clubs, where children manage themselves without you nearby.
Get the printable
Problem Solving for Kids
A one page reminder of simple solutions children can reach for when something goes wrong in their environment. Designed to be printed at home and stuck where it will actually be read.
DownloadUsing it well
Introduce it calmly
Walk through it together at a quiet moment, not mid meltdown. Familiarity is what makes it usable later.
Put it where it is visible
The fridge, a bedroom door, a classroom wall. It only works if it is in sight when it is needed.
Use the same words every time
Consistent language across home and school helps the steps stick faster.
Practise on small problems
Confidence builds on the little things long before it holds up under the big ones.
Not sure where to start?
Our occupational therapists work with children on exactly this, at home, at school and in the community.
Talk to our teamAll information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.