Impulse control in preschoolers is the urge to refrain from acting before thinking about instant enjoyment. Children in general, especially preschoolers, need the ability to control their feelings and actions in order to make rational choices. They control impulses with their prefrontal cortex however children undergo this stage of development. The main aspect here is understanding how parents and early childhood education teachers can develop impulse control from early on.
Why Is Impulse Control Hard For Preschoolers?
Impulse control is the last stage of development of cognition, children start building cognitive ability once their prefrontal cortex begins developing. Children in preschool are within this stage. Thus, swiping toys or other items, cutting off people in a conversation, running away in public settings or even lashing out in response to being peeved are all common. Such behaviors are not refusal toward authority but rather are natural types of brain development.
Frequent Impulsive Conducts In Preschoolers
Many 3-4 year olds tend to act impulsively and never think before doing such as:
- Grabbing a toy from someone without consent.
- Screaming an answer before someone else is done asking a question or interrupting a person who is speaking.
- Not hearing a person and just doing what they want to in a busy crowded area.
- Getting angry when they can’t have their way with something.
Can we break these habits? Yes, through constructive actions such as patient reinforcement of appropriate behaviors.
Techniques to Shape Impulse Control Skills
Improving impulse control starts from early childhood. In fact, the earlier you start the better because children show less resistance to change. Here are effective assistive behavioral approaches:
- Set Proper Standards: Do what is right and teach children what is wrong. A constructive lesson on showing patience by counting to ten can be a highlight in the day. It’s crucial as children learn from us adults.
- Show Positive Actions: Celebrate children when they wait for their turn to choose or allow the other to use a toy. Reinforcement of good behavioral change is the most effective trainer.
- Self Control Games: Play interesting Games such as Pass The Parcel/Charades where children stay quiet and focused. Try Simon says, during which children have to control their bodies and listen, instead of talking.
- Teach “Cool Down” Strategies: Assist children when they get angry. Have them slowly inhale or exhale or tell them to relax in peace and shut their eyes for a while.
- Label Emotions: Encourage children to describe their emotions, let’s say – tell them that it is okay to be excited. This will improve their understanding of emotions and will help students in their future.
When Professional Help is Needed Most
If there’s one thing we know about youngsters, it’s that although all children can be prone to bouts of impulsiveness, some children may experience excessive tantrums that call for the guidance of a professional. In these situations, enlisting the help of a professional may be a wise course of action, especially in these situations:
- Gets extremely annoyed or has a tantrum on a regular basis.
- Has trouble remembering or even obeying some basic instructions, tasks, or directions given to them.
- Has made a habit of destroying or negatively influencing the property.
- Has trouble making friends or has lots of problems socializing with children of their age group.
The need for this intervention is also catered by the fact that undoubtedly, this intervention focuses on the existent deficits to facilitate the successful functioning of that area.
Building Skills for Future Development
Nurturing a student’s ability to resist their impulses will definitely help them in excelling academically and developing sound relationships. In line with that, the staff at Podar Prep sees the value of directing the children towards impulse control and thus provides the needed support. With parents and caregivers utilizing rewarding techniques and strategies, this skill can be greatly enhanced. Working on today will help your child one day grow into a strong and confident self-directed individual.
