7 Easy Games To Teach Your Child Impulse Control

Welcome to The OT Guide! Today, I discuss the importance of teaching children impulse control and provide practical strategies to help them develop this essential skill. Impulse control, the ability to think before acting and resist immediate urges, is crucial for making thoughtful decisions and managing behavior. In this video, I showcase fun activities and games that parents can do with their children to support the development of impulse control. These games help children learn to stop, listen, and control their movements. Here are the affiliate links to some of my favorite games I use during therapy to help students develop impulse control:
Candy land- amzn.to/49ZL397
Sneaky squirrel- amzn.to/4akJ4vQ
Jenga- amzn.to/3TJztcd
Uno- amzn.to/4aos5J8
This video is designed to provide general information about occupational therapy for caregivers. This video does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Please see a medical professional if you have concerns about your child’s development

[@BethieArnold]

Great ideas! What are your suggestions for little boys who don't care about following the rules of the games? For instance, they would keep running for red light/green light and not go back to the start, they won't stop dancing for freeze dance, or don't care if they move to every instruction for Simon Says. Thanks for any advice you have. I teach a group of 20-30 kids and have a handful of boys that exhibit very little impulse control!

[@Luna-qq3cs]

Hi Dana! I'm struggling to teach my son (8 years old) how button up and unbutton his jeans. I've tried practicing with little buttons (like a shirt) and putting it on the table in front of him, he's able to complete the task just fine. Even while wearing a button up blouse, he is able to compete the task. It's just that the jeans are quite stiff, and he's not able to unbutton or button up his jeans on his own. Any tips or tricks? :)

[@ellenfretz4096]

Not knowing the age of your son… I have seen parents place a rubber band… ( hair tie elastic) through the button hole… wth a loop style type knot… even stitch it in and then use that as the button hole… it’s a modification vs completing the skill… Also did he try completing the task when his pants are on a table top - he can simply work On the skill and observe the dexterity that is needed for that skill… just an idea… best of luck…

[@TheOTGuide]

Hey Luna! Thanks so much for visiting the channel. I'd say if your son is able to button other things, there's no need to worry - he's on the right track! Buttoning stiff jeans can be tough for anyone (including adults) so I'd go ahead and lend him a hand so he doesn't get frustrated. Continue to have him practice on his blouses and other clothing items that aren't so stiff. As he practices more and more and his hands get stronger, eventually he'll be able to do his jeans!

[@Luna-qq3cs]

Ok, thank you so much! 😁

[@ellenfretz4096]

Great ideas… hungry shark or shark attack… ( I believe) is a fun game as well for fine motor as kidos remove items from the sharks mouth… watch out… he mite close his mouth on you…. Thanks for your videos! OT from PA!

[@TheOTGuide]

Hungry shark is the best!! So fun!!! Thank you Ellen as always for your comments :)

[@lesliealoian387]

Great ideas as always

[@TheOTGuide]

Thank you!!