Learning self-control is necessary in order to learn to understand and manage emotions, anxiety and any type of impulse. Self-control is an essential skill for everyday interactions, and it is important for children to be able to master this form of emotional regulation. 30% of four-year-olds are already able to control their impulses most of the time.
The brain is like a muscle and as children come into contact with the different situations of daily life, the neural pathways will be reinforced in learning self-control. This means that learning this skill happens through discovery and repetition slowly throughout childhood. The trick is – as in all parenting learning – to take one learning moment at a time and focus on it.
If you want or need to know some useful tips for developing self-control in your children, then read on for some tips.
Help your child observe himself himself
Your child must learn to observe himself and his impulses. The problem with impulses is that they can override rational thought, so your child can engage in negative behavior even though he knows he shouldn’t. In order for your child to take control of his impulses he must be aware of them and know that he alone will be responsible for controlling them.
Self-control requires trust
When a child practices self-control they need the reinforcement to understand that the wait was worth it. As a parent, you will need to make sure that you follow through with the reinforcement. For example, if your child wants to have ice cream and you will eat it as a family after dinner, you will have to wait until then to enjoy it with everyone.
Teaching strategies for self-control
Helping your child know what he has done wrong is only half the battle, it is It is necessary that as a father, mother and guide, you provide alternatives to their impulsive behavior . For example, if a child is fighting with another child over a toy, help them think of alternatives to do after playing with the toy for a bit and leaving it to another child – such as painting, building blocks, or just waiting. p>
Limits cannot be broken
Children should be allowed to practice self-discipline by setting limits. When we set a limit for children and accept, they will be practicing self-control. When you tell your kids it’s time to stop watching TV and tidy up the bedroom and they agree, they’ll know it’s a responsibility they have to do.
Be the best role model
Do not pretend that your children can have good self-control or that they know how to regulate themselves emotionally if you are not a good example of it. The most important thing is that as parents, you can help your children learn self-control by being the best example by practicing with yourself. If you can limit sweets in your children’s diet, they should not eat a bar of chocolate -self-control-. Also, if you are not able to control your angry emotions or redirect them when you have a minor incident -emotional regulation-, your child will learn to do exactly the same.
Patience and repetition are needed
Those are the keys: patience and repetition. The keys to curb impulsive behavior is through patience and repetition, in this way you can teach your child to think before acting. For a child to learn to think before acting, constant repetition will be needed and above everything, a lot of reinforcement.