As your child grows, you can help him manage his impulsivity with simple methods that will also help him thrive as an adult. We’ll explain it to you.
Uncontrolled impulsivity can lead to dangerous behaviors
Impulsivity is normal behavior in young children. He learns to manage his emotions and can sometimes feel overwhelmed by what he feels.
A little one may start hitting or throwing tantrums when others don’t go his way. It is up to adults to show the child that there are ways to manage anger and frustration.
It is essential to do this from an early age because uncontrolled impulsivity can have serious consequences in adolescence and adulthood.
Studies have shown that poor impulsivity control can lead to making poor decisions and can harm mental health.
Teach him to put words to his emotions
Children who cannot express how they feel are more likely to be impulsive. A child who doesn’t know how to say “I’m mad” will perhaps tap to show that he is disappointed. Or a child who doesn’t know how to say “I’m sad” will perhaps show it by throwing himself to the ground and screaming.
Teach your child to put words to what they feel. When you sense that he is overcome by his emotions, ask him how he feels and reassure him by telling him that it is completely normal to be angry or sad but that it is forbidden to hit. , kicking or yelling at someone.
There are books and other fun illustrated materials that explain the different emotions (sadness, anger, fear, worry, etc.). This can help you take him down the path of verbalizing emotions.
Make him repeat the instructions
Sometimes, children are impulsive because they have not listened to and recorded the instructions given to them by adults. It is common in children with attention disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD).
Before going to a public place or to visit friends, it is important to “briefer” your child about what he can and cannot do.
To make sure your toddler understands the rules, have them repeat them to him. And only once he shows you that he has recorded everything can you let him go about his business.
For each problem there is a solution !
Your child needs to know that there are ways to solve a problem before taking action (getting angry, crying, yelling, hitting). Whether your child is trying to fix their bike or solve a math problem, encourage them to think of five ways to solve a problem before deciding what to do.
After identifying the different possible solutions, help him decide which will be the most effective. This requires a little practice, but over time, he will get into the habit of always thinking before acting.
Journalist
04 May 2024, at 06:10
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