This FREE printable “How Big Is My Problem?” resource is a simple and engaging visual tool that helps children and young people understand the size of their problems and manage their emotional reactions.
The PDF uses a clear, child-friendly scale to show different levels of problems – from tiny and small, through to medium, big, and gigantic. Each level is illustrated with colourful images and relatable examples, helping children to recognise that not all problems are the same size and do not need the same level of emotional response.
This resource supports emotional regulation, behaviour management, and social skills by teaching children to pause and think about how serious a situation really is. It encourages perspective taking and helps reduce overreactions, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. It is especially useful for children who struggle with anger, impulsive behaviour, or heightened emotional responses, including those with additional needs such as ADHD or ASD.
The visual format makes it easy to use in direct work, classrooms, or at home. It can be used as a prompt for discussion, a behaviour support tool, or part of wider work on feelings, wellbeing, and coping strategies.
This printable PDF is suitable for parents, carers, teachers, social workers, therapists, and other professionals working with children, teens, and young people. It is particularly helpful for supporting emotional development, problem solving skills, and positive behaviour in everyday situations.
