Impulse control is essential for kids, as it helps them manage their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and build positive relationships.
Here are 20 activities that can help children improve their impulse control while having fun.
Each activity is designed to support self-regulation skills, patience, and emotional awareness, making it easier for kids to think before they act.
1. Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing activities help kids practice self-soothing techniques.
Teaching kids to focus on their breath helps them manage emotions, reduce stress, and pause before reacting impulsively.
A great resource for teaching your little one breathing techniques is the story “Breathing Like a Dragon” on the Storybook app.
This story guides kids to take deep, powerful breaths, helping them calm down and feel secure.
Not only does it teach them how to manage their emotions, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child as you share this relaxing moment together. 🌬️🐉
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2. Simon Says
Simon Says enhances impulse control as kids must carefully listen and only act when “Simon says” the command.
It helps kids practice stopping themselves from acting on impulse, honing their listening skills, and learning to process instructions before moving.
It’s also ideal for listening activities for kids who need to improve their focus.
3. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is an energetic way to help kids manage their impulses.
They dance to music but must freeze when the music stops.
This game requires kids to be aware of their movements and react quickly to auditory cues, which helps build their self-regulation skills.
It’s also great for activities for kids with down syndrome due to its adaptable pace.
4. Waiting Games
Waiting games, such as taking turns or playing I Spy while waiting, teach kids patience.
These games help them manage their impulses by focusing on observing and participating without immediate action.
Waiting games can provide a fun break and are particularly helpful as morning activities for kids.
5. Red Light, Green Light
In this classic game, kids practice stopping and starting on command.
This game helps children learn to control their impulses by requiring them to pause and wait for the “Green Light” before they can move.
The anticipation of waiting reinforces patience and listening skills, making it an excellent At-home activities for kids with behavioral issues.
6. Impulse Control Cards
Impulse control cards feature prompts like “Stop,” “Think,” and “Act.”
Using these cards helps kids visualize and internalize the steps to take before acting on an impulse.
They are practical tools for teaching kids to pause and consider their actions.
7. Delayed Gratification Test
The delayed gratification test, like waiting to eat a treat, helps kids learn self-control by delaying their desire for immediate rewards.
It’s an effective way to practice patience and teaches them that waiting can lead to better outcomes, fostering long-term thinking, which is key in gender equality activities for kids as they learn to respect shared spaces and times.
8. Role-Playing Scenarios
Role-playing scenarios allow kids to practice responding to challenging situations in a controlled environment.
By exploring different responses, they learn how to make thoughtful decisions rather than reacting impulsively, developing their emotional and social skills.
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9. Yoga for Kids
Yoga helps kids connect with their bodies and practice self-control through movement and breathing.
The poses require focus, patience, and deliberate movement, all of which help kids learn to control impulses and feel more grounded.
10. Emotion Matching
Emotion matching activities, like sorting cards with different facial expressions, help kids identify and understand their emotions.
By recognizing emotions, kids can become more aware of their feelings and learn to manage them rather than acting out impulsively.
A great resource to help children manage their emotions is the story “Deflate Your Anger” on the Storybook app.
This story, combined with a soothing massage, guides kids in recognizing and releasing their frustration, helping them find calm and peace. 🌿💆♀️
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11. Stop, Think, Act Poster
A Stop, Think, Act poster serves as a visual reminder for kids to pause before reacting.
The steps on the poster encourage kids to think about their actions and choose a positive response.
It’s a simple yet powerful tool for reinforcing self-regulation skills.
12. Puppet Shows
Puppet shows allow kids to explore different responses in various situations through characters.
By acting out scenarios, kids can reflect on behaviors and practice impulse control, making them more aware of their choices in real-life situations.
13. Patience Stones
Patience stones are smooth stones that kids can hold or rub when they feel impatient.
These tactile tools help kids calm down and focus, giving them something to occupy their hands and minds as they wait, which can be helpful for controlling impulses.
14. Jenga or Tower Games
Jenga and other tower games require steady hands and patience.
Kids need to focus and carefully remove pieces without knocking down the tower, which teaches them to control their impulses and practice patience.
15. Counting to 10
Counting to 10 before reacting is a simple but effective way to help kids manage their impulses.
It gives them time to think and regulate their emotions, providing a brief pause that can prevent impulsive actions.
16. Storytelling
Storytelling encourages kids to pause, think, and express themselves thoughtfully.
By listening to and telling stories, kids practice patience and learn to articulate their thoughts, building self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
A wonderful resource to help your child explore their emotions is the story “The Garden of Feelings” on the Storybook app.
This story encourages kids to reflect on and express their emotions, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. 🌸💖
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17. The Marshmallow Test
The Marshmallow Test, where kids are given a treat and must wait to receive a second one, is a classic way to practice delayed gratification.
It teaches kids that waiting can lead to better rewards and helps them build self-control.
18. Coloring or Puzzle Activities
Coloring and puzzles require focus and patience.
These activities encourage kids to slow down and take their time, helping them develop the ability to concentrate and resist the urge to rush through tasks.
19. Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses help kids practice patience as they navigate each challenge.
They learn to control their movements and follow the course carefully, which strengthens impulse control and physical coordination.
20. Reflective Listening
Reflective listening exercises teach kids to listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
By practicing listening without interrupting, kids build patience and empathy, learning to consider others’ perspectives before reacting.
How do you practice impulse control for kids?
Practicing impulse control with kids starts with simple activities that encourage them to pause and think before acting.
Begin with basic exercises like counting to 10 or deep breathing when they feel overwhelmed, which gives them a moment to calm down.
Introducing games like Simon Says or Red Light, Green Light also helps, as they require kids to listen and wait for cues before reacting.
Consistent practice, using positive reinforcement, and gradually increasing the complexity of activities can help kids build impulse control over time.
Which games develop impulse control?
- Red light, green light: Kids must stop and go on command, teaching them to control their movements.
- Freeze dance: Encourages kids to stop suddenly when the music stops, helping them react thoughtfully.
- Simon says: Requires careful listening and following instructions, which helps them resist acting on impulse.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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