Teaching Impulse Control to Children Through 7 Effective Ways

Impulse control is a necessary skill that should be taught to children at an early age. At around the age of 12, a child can show an Impulse Control Disorder that is a psychological disorder which is a result of a neurological problem where controlling impulses becomes a problem for the child.

impulse activities in children

Here are some ideas on how impulse control can be taught to your child.

1. Teach your child acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Teaching your child the difference between what is acceptable and can be expressed and what may occur as a feeling but cannot be expressed as it is socially unacceptable, goes a long way in helping your child control impulses.

2. Give explicit directions to your kid and teach him how to listen. Make it a habit that your child listens to you before carrying out your directions. Children who listen can control behaviour.

3. Teach your child that anger is another emotion or feeling that can be felt. Learning how to calm himself will help your child to understand the root cause of his own anger and work towards trying to find a solution to it by talking it out in a calm way rather than resorting to throwing things around or showing temper tantrums.

4. Establish house rules around your home. Laying down clear cut rules about what is expected and is to be followed by each member is a great way to let the child be sure of what is expected and bring structure to his or her own behaviour. Clear cut instructions given to children and patterns to be followed in relation to sleep and waking times as well as meal times, and study hours or play time will give a sense of security to your child, making him sure of what is expected from him or her.  Also tell them how he or she should behave when out in the park or shopping mall or when you are at someone’s place.

5.  Teach your child patience. Letting your child learn how to wait is an important lesson and helps in control of impulses. We often do not tell our children future plans of going out on fun trips etcetera in the fear that they might keep pestering till the time we actually take the trip. However, this is a wrong approach because teaching a child the value of waiting patiently is necessary.

6. Engage your child in physical activities. Let your child learn some sport of his choice. Encourage him to learn some musical instrument. That will help your child the value of discipline.

7. Above all, be a role model to your child.

Photo Credit By: i.huffpost.com

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