Teaching Impulse Control Through Play

Does your child struggle with impulse control?

You probably answered yes. Most people do.

Impulse control is one of the highest order cognitive skills we humans possess, and while we start developing impulse control skills in toddlerhood, most individuals continue to struggle with controlling urges throughout their adult lives. Stores actually rely on this lack of impulse control, and that is why they display all the sweet treats right by the cash registers. 

So, how do you teach critical impulse control skills in a way that doesn’t feel like learning?

Fun ideas to teach impulse control skills:

Red Light, Green Light.

Play the classic ‘Red light, Green light’ game, which helps kids practice staying still and waiting for the metaphorical “green light” to move again. Want to amp up the challenge? Put a highly preferred toy or favourite stuffed animal (or something else your child typically can’t resist) at the end of the hall and practice inhibiting the impulse to run toward it by playing ‘Red light, Green light’ all the way towards it. You can add reinforcement by increasing the reward if your child is able to make it all the way without breaking the rules of the game (e.g., two treats instead of just one).

Freeze Dance.

Play and pause some tunes to play the ‘Freeze Dance’ game. Another version of the game is ‘Robot, Statue.’ In these games, your child has to listen to the musical cue to start and stop dancing and resist the urge to move. Try gradually increasing the length of time your child has to “freeze” or stay a statue.  

Simon Says.

‘Simon Says’ is another great game that teaches attentive listening while also practicing impulse control skills, as your child has to listen closely to know when they can or cannot move. 

KEY TIP! Impulse control is a tough skill to learn, so focus on effort over outcome. There will inevitably be mistakes, so make sure to laugh off errors and focus on the fun of practicing and playing together.