Impulse control is the ability to resist the temptation to act on an impulsive thought or feeling. It is an important skill for teens to develop, as it can help them to avoid risky behaviors and to make better decisions.
There are a number of things that parents can do to help their teens develop better impulse control. These include:
Modeling good behavior. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If parents want their teens to learn how to control their impulses, they need to model good behavior themselves. This means being patient, being able to delay gratification, and being able to control their own emotions.
Setting clear rules and expectations. Teens need to know what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they do not meet those expectations. Parents should be clear about the rules of the house and the consequences for breaking those rules.
Providing positive reinforcement. When teens do something well, be sure to praise them. This will help them to feel good about themselves and to be more likely to repeat the good behavior.
Helping teens to identify their triggers. Everyone has things that make them more likely to act impulsively. Help your teen to identify their triggers so that they can learn to avoid them.
Teaching teens how to cope with stress. Stress can make it difficult to control impulses. Teach your teen how to cope with stress in healthy ways, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a friend or family member.
Getting professional help if needed. If your teen is struggling with impulse control, it is important to get professional help. A therapist can help your teen to develop the skills they need to control their impulses and to make better decisions.
Impulse control is an important skill for teens to develop. By following these tips, you can help your teen to develop better impulse control and to make better decisions.
Additional Tips
Talk to your teen about impulse control. Explain to them what impulse control is and why it is important.
Help them to identify their impulsive behaviors. Ask them to list the things they do that they later regret.
Help them to develop a plan to control their impulses. This might include things like taking a deep breath before making a decision, counting to 10, or walking away from the situation.
Be patient. It takes time to develop impulse control. Don't expect your teen to be perfect overnight.
Be supportive. Let your teen know that you are there for them and that you are willing to help them.