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What Problem Are We Solving?

Short summary: The first problem you notice is not always the real problem. Naming the problem clearly helps you choose a better next step.

Big idea​

A clear problem statement says what is happening, not who is bad. When you can name the problem you can actually work on, the rest of problem solving gets much easier.

Why it matters​

People waste a lot of energy solving the wrong problem. "I'm mad" is a real feeling, but it is a signal, not the problem. "The computer hates me" is a complaint, not something you can fix. When the problem is named clearly, you stop guessing and start working.

Kid-friendly explanation​

Imagine you say, "This is broken!" Broken how? A doctor does not write "person feels bad." They write down what hurts, when it started, and what changes it. Naming the problem is like that: the clearer the description, the better the next step.

Compare these:

  • ❌ "The computer hates me."
  • ✅ "I expected the program to save, but the file disappeared."

The second one tells you what to check.

Tool: the problem statement frame​

The main frame is:

"I expected ___, but ___ happened."

Other useful frames:

  • "The thing I'm trying to do is ___."
  • "The part that is not working is ___."
  • "The problem I can work on is ___."

A good problem statement is specific, describes what is happening, and points at something you can actually do.

Activity: Problem or Complaint?​

Read each complaint out loud, then rewrite it as a clearer problem statement.

  • "This is stupid."
  • "Nobody listens to me."
  • "I can't do math."
  • "The group project is a mess."
  • "The plant keeps dying."

For example, "The plant keeps dying" might become: "I expected the plant to stay green, but its leaves turn yellow about a week after I water it."

Discussion questions​

  • What is the difference between a complaint and a problem statement?
  • Why might "I'm mad" be a signal instead of the problem?
  • How does naming the problem clearly change what you try next?
  • Can you think of a time you solved the wrong problem first?

Try it this week​

The next time something goes wrong, finish this sentence before you react: "I expected ___, but ___ happened." Notice if it makes the next step clearer.

Adult note​

Do not shame venting. Sometimes kids need to express frustration first. The move is: "That sounds frustrating. When you are ready, let's name the problem we can work on." Naming the problem is not the same as deciding whose fault it is.