Lack of impulse control is the root cause of many behavioral problems. Impulsivity is related to acting on a whim which can lead to them taking unnecessary risks, not waiting for their turn and interrupting conversations. Help your child manage impulsivity. Impulsiveness can get worse over time, if not kept in check. The more impulse control your child has, the more aware he will be of his words and the more accountable he will be of his actions. You may use the following techniques to curb impulsive behavior in your child –
1. Teach your child to identify feelings
Children who do not understand their own emotions tend to be more impulsive. The one who does not identify anger may express it by breaking things. Let your child know the difference between various emotions and share it with you. Tell them that it is okay to feel angry but not okay to break things.
2. Ask to repeat the directions
Impulsive children spring into action without thinking about the instructions they just received. Teach your child to listen to directions and repeat them before they take action. Only after they have correctly repeated what you said, allow them to do the work. It gives them the time to think and the patience to ponder on what is to be done.
3. Teach them problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is an effective technique to keep impulsiveness in check. Teach your child to consider various solutions to the same problem, consider the different perspectives and then do the action. While evaluating all the options they have at hand, children learn to think about their effects and repercussions and then make a decision.
4. Work on anger management skills
Low tolerance can lead to impulsive outbursts. Teach your child to manage his anger so that he can deal with his emotions in a healthy way. Teach him specific strategies like taking deep breaths and engaging in mindful meditations. Learning to pause can go a long way towards reducing impulsive behavior. Learn ways to handle your child temper tantrums.
5. Delayed gratification
Give your child opportunities to delay gratification and make it fun by creating a reward system. You may start by issuing tokens for good behavior and then exchanging them for something bigger like a trip to the park. It not only encourages good behavior but also promotes patience while waiting for a bigger reward. Saving up tokens for a bigger reward will help them resist temptations that may lead to impulsive actions.
Be a good role model!
Expect your child to learn a lot about impulse control from you. It will help your child manage impulsivity. Let your child witness you letting go of instant gratifications and saving up for something big. Involve yourself in physical activities so that your children join you too. Most importantly, do not return their impulsive comments with your harsh responses. Impulse control will only improve over time and with practice.
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
― Viktor E. Frankl