How do you teach impulse control?

cs1007

Any time DS does not get his way he gets frustrated and throws things, hits, swipes things off tables, etc. He gets put in a time out and knows it is wrong to do these tings, but it seems as though he does these acts before 'thinking' about it. How do you teach impulse control???

Mrsjulybride

DD does the same thing. I tell her that it's ok to be angry or frustrated but it's not OK to hit or throw things. If she throws toys I take them away for a few days (not sure how much of an impact this makes). Anyway, I think at this age they're not physically able to control their impulses so we just have to keep reminding them that it's not appropriate. Good luck - you're definitely not alone!

TiffanyBerry

1. Realize that this is a process that will take DECADES (yes, decades) to learn.  The executive function in the brain doesn't mature until *after 20*.  There's lots that can, and should, be learned before then, of course, but realize this is something that will take more than a few months or even a year or two.

2.  This article is a good starting point, imho. https://www.parentingscience.com/teaching-self-control.html