Crossword Genius

Symbolically, it gives a child a bit of a problem (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'symbolically it' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'a child a bit of a problem' is the wordplay.
'a child' becomes 'tot' (term for a young child).
'a bit of a problem' becomes 'em' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'tot'+'em'='TOTEM'

'gives' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Badge of tribe etc" , "Pole used in ritual" , "Venerated emblem" , "Image representing tribe" , "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app