girl who painted face instead of paper

Teaching Impulse Control

Impulsive behaviors are often addressed through reprimand after the fact and through behavior plans. But do you ever explicitly teach it? Will children show improved control if we do? 

You may be familiar with the marshmallow test study, which gave children an opportunity to earn more marshmallows by waiting rather than eating the one they had in front of them. This study showed increased success in adulthood for children who could wait. When we know the importance of self-control throughout the lifespan, how can we not address it in childhood?

How Does Impulse Control Relate to Mental Health?

We know that children do well when they can, and they want to do well! Unfortunately, getting in trouble for things they cannot help may affect their self-esteem.  In addition, impulsive behaviors have resulted in harm, including death, to some children. Managing impulses is an important life skill. 

How to Teach Impulse Control

First, we can explain what it means to have impulse control. Sometimes I will tell children that we will practice waiting, sometimes I use the words “impulse control.” I’ve done an activity similar to the marshmallow test as a way to assess impulse control. 

After teaching what it means to have impulse control I will cue children to use it prior to giving directions. 

Some things that can help with impulse control:

  1. Educate parents. Have them try to practice at home by having a child wait for a treat or favorite toy. Make sure they give a lot of praise and positive reinforcement if the child is successful!

  2. Simon Says

  3. One of my favorite ways to teach this is during a fidget lesson. Check out that post here. 

  4. Bubbles are great for teaching impulse control! I grade the activity depending on the needs of the child:

    a)blow bubbles and tell them they have to wait for “go” before they can pop them

b) increase the amount of time between blowing them and saying “go” as they get better at it

c) Put a hula hoop or tape on the floor and ask them to stay in their zone AND wait for “go” to pop the bubbles. This one can be a challenge!

Also, try out this free impulse control game. (It is a great way to work on this skill in person or through telehealth!) 

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