Today's Tip for Families

04-03-2025

Help Your Child Develop Impulse Control

Kids who always act on impulse can have a hard time in school. They have trouble waiting for their turn or standing in line for long. They get impatient and sometimes cause trouble. They blurt out answers to the teacher's questions at inappropriate times. They do and say things without thinking about consequences. Their impulsiveness sometimes makes it hard for them to keep friends.

To help your elementary schooler develop impulse-control:

See that your child gets plenty of exercise.
Provide structure and routines to increase stable behavior.
Establish clear rules and explain the consequences for breaking them.
Set specific times for specific tasks.
Let your child experience the natural consequences of impulsive actions.
Praise and reward your child for thinking before acting.
Teach your child how to put strong feelings into words before losing control.
Teach ways to settle down, such as counting to 10, taking deep breaths or saying the alphabet.

Ask your child's teacher or school counselor for other ways you can help. If your child's behavior is dangerous or threatening, ask how to find professional help.

Brought to you by:

Warren Independent School District