Many teenagers going through puberty tend to act on impulse. This can lead to some challenging behavior at home and in school. But with a little understanding and guidance, it’s possible to help your teen learn how to control their impulses better.
Help Your Teen Understand What Impulse Control Is
The first step in helping your teen develop better impulse control is to help them understand what it is. Explain that impulse control is the ability to resist the urge to do something that may be harmful or risky. Emphasizing the importance of resisting impulsive temptations can help your teen think about their choices more carefully.
Model Good Impulse Control Yourself
It’s important to lead by example when it comes to impulse control. If you want your teen to develop this skill, you must model good behavior. Avoid reacting impulsively to things that come up in your own life; instead, take a moment to consider the potential outcomes of your actions. This will show your teen that controlling their impulses is possible even when things are challenging.
Help Them Identify Their Triggers
Some teens have a hard time controlling their impulses because they don’t know what their triggers are. If this is the case with your teen, help them to identify the things that tend to set off their impulsive behavior. Once they’re aware of their triggers, they can start to work on avoiding them or learning how to better deal with them.
Teach Them Some Coping Mechanisms
There are a variety of coping mechanisms that can help teens to control their impulses. Some helpful techniques include deep breathing, counting to 10, and even walking away from the situation. Practicing these techniques with your teen can help them better deal with their impulses when feeling overwhelmed.
Help Them Make Decisions in Advance
One way to help your teen avoid impulsive behavior is to help them make decisions in advance. If they know what they’re going to do in a given situation, they’re less likely to act on impulse. This can be especially helpful when it comes to difficult situations that may tempt them to give in to their impulses. This will help them to think through their choices and make the best decision for themselves in the future.
Helping your teen develop better impulse control can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that they’re still learning and growing. With your guidance and support, they’ll be able to learn how to control their impulses better and make more positive choices in their life.
If you or your teen are looking for more guidance regarding impulse control, schedule an appointment with their provider at WFMC Health.
