Handling Big and Small Problems Appropriately
Handling Big and Small Problems Appropriately
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Do you, as a caregiver, ever overreact?
Why do we notice overreactions in our children more easily than we notice overreactions in ourselves?
We expect our children to have reactions that match the size of their problem, and yet, we know how hard that can be sometimes. It can be especially hard when we’re already feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. That’s when a small problem can feel huge!
1st grade students at Erie Elementary School are exploring the size of their problems. They are assigning emotions to those problems and considering the appropriate response. They are learning to stop and think before they act.
It is much easier to handle a problem when we're calm. Taking a quick moment for a breath or a break makes a big difference. And, caregivers, it's always okay to apologize for your overreaction later - that's a great lesson for our children. Adults make mistakes too.
What is a BIG PROBLEM?
This is a problem that children may not be able to handle on their own. They may have already tried to solve their problem with at least two strategies. They may be physically hurt or have big, lasting emotional pain. There may be a natural disaster and they need to listen to adult direction.
Most problems that kids face are "kid-sized" problems.
What is a small problem?
This is a problem that children can solve. They have at least two strategies to try, no one is in danger and no one is hurt.
There are many ways to handle small problems including talking it out, ignoring it, going to a new game.
Here is a link that you might like to use to create your own "wheel of choice" at home.
When it's a big problem, kids should tell an adult right way - this is called REPORTING. When we tell an adult and it's a small problem - that is called TATTLING.
We often tattle when we want attention or when we're trying to get someone else in trouble.
It is important to be a REPORTER when someone is in danger or hurt or damaging property.
Erie Elementary students understand that they are in control of their own behavior. What a relief! We don't have to control anyone else.
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