Behaviour - My Child Has Difficulty with Self Control

TutorGiant.com

What child doesn’t?  Your child's behavior can affect his or her social skills.

It’s just a matter of degree.  The only remedy is consistent modification. 

An impulsive child needs rules and rewards.  Rules provide security and safety for the impulsive child because they allow for boundaries and believe it or not, they give your child a sense of control. A big part of the problem of impulsivity is the lack of rational thinking whereby the child just reacts to a situation without thinking it out first.

You can help your child to become less impulsive but you must be consistent in order to see results.

1.    Create a list of rules and rewards.  Have the rules visible (e.g. on the kitchen fridge).  Make sure that these new rules apply to all the children in the house so that your child doesn’t perceive the rules to be unfair.

2.    Create a contract.  Let your child have a ‘reason’ to want to gain more self control.  Include realistic rewards for ongoing improvements in behavior.    

3.    Reward your child for thinking before acting. This is the most important part.  You don’t necessarily have to give a tangible reward, a hug or a compliment will do (you know your child best.

4.    Show your child how to stop and think before acting.  When you see that you child is about to lose control (you know your child’s triggers), immediately stop your child and discuss the possible result of his behavior.  Gently explain what he/she is doing wrong and how he/she can choose to act appropriately.

5.    Your child may be unaware that his actions affect others.  When the inappropriate behavior occurs (or better yet, if you can intervene before it happens), discuss with your child how his actions can hurt others.

6.    If the behavior problems occur at school, have your child’s teacher write a note letting you know if there are any improvements.  Make the teacher your partner.

©Tutorgiant.com