Welcome to the bright and wonderful world of Sunny the Panda™!
Big FeelingsUpdated

Big Problem, Little Problem for Kids

Quick Answer

"Big problem, little problem" helps children match their reaction to the situation. Little problems they can fix themselves (a broken crayon), medium ones need a little help, and big problems need a grown-up right away (someone is hurt). Teach it when calm with real examples.

What it looks like by age

  1. 4

    Age 4

    Can sort obvious examples into big and little with help.

  2. 5–6

    Age 5–6

    Can rate problems small, medium or big and pick a fitting reaction.

  3. 7–8

    Age 7–8

    Can solve little problems on their own and explain why a problem is big.

Why it happens

To a young child, every problem can feel huge. A simple size scale gives them a way to pause, think and choose a reaction that fits.

What to say

  • "Is this a big problem, a medium problem or a little problem?"

  • "Little problems we can fix ourselves. What could you try?"

  • "That IS a big problem. You did the right thing telling me."

  • "Your reaction was big. Was the problem big too?"

Instead of… try…

Tap a card to flip it.

Try it together

At home

10 min

Problem Size Ladder

In the classroom

15 min

Problem Size Walk

☀️ Sunny's Shine Challenge

Ask "big, medium or little?" the next time your child gets upset, then help them choose a fix.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age can kids learn problem size?

Most children can start around age 4 with simple examples and adult help.

What counts as a big problem?

Anything unsafe: someone hurt, sick, lost, or in danger. Those always go to a grown-up.

Sunny says

Sunny the Panda listening kindly
“A lost crayon is a little problem. I can fix it — I'll use green!”

Written by Audrey Bell-Kearney

Related skills

See all Big Feelings skills →