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Impulse control is the ability to control oneself from engaging in behaviors that are often harmful to oneself or others. Having good impulse control is an important skill for individuals of all ages and for a variety of daily activities.
What does poor impulse control, or lack of impulse control, look like in a child?
- Difficulty with turn taking / waiting your turn
- Interrupting
- Fast, often unsafe movement
- Taking a toy from someone else
- Emotional outburst
- Running through a parking lot
- Pushing peers out of the way
How can I help my child who struggles with impulse control?
Games, both tabletop games and movement-based games, can be a great, easy, fun way to address impulse control. The nature of games is great for impulse control, as most games involving turn taking, waiting with a calm body, following directions, and visual attention (visually observing the playing field). The following is a variety of games that further work on impulse control based on the specific requirements of the game, often requiring that players do not rush through their turn, or speak / act impulsively.
Impulse Control Games
- Guess Who
- Headbands
- Simon Says
- OranguTwang
- Giggle Wiggle
- Speedy Match
- Quick Cups
- Clack
- Hide and Seek
- Red Light, Green Light
- And many more!!
By integrating even just one of these games into play time / family time at home, you are helping your child learn impulse control in a naturally occurring environment, and in a way that will be fun for them without having to feel like they are doing “work”.
If you have concerns about your child’s impulse control, Kids Place Occupational Therapy in Arizona may be able to help. Click here to schedule your child’s evaluation.
