Calling out in class before raising a hand … talking too much … saying embarrassing things in public … pushing to the front of the line at the playground … 

These are all common examples of why a young child might be called “impulsive” – and impulse control is an important topic related to executive functioning in children. That’s why it’s the second subject that Dr. Cheryl Ann Chase trained both TQS parents and educators on as part of our two-year working partnership. 

Impulse management and inhibitory responses in children with complex challenges can manifest differently. Some children may struggle with impulse control, which can appear as difficulty waiting for their turn or refraining from speaking out of turn. Others might exhibit inhibitory issues, such as being unable to stop themselves from certain behaviors or actions.

Our children constantly face an array of impulses and inhibitions that often prove difficult to manage in daily life. However, these challenges aren't impossible to overcome. Dr. Chase offers practical ways to help children better and more effectively manage their impulses and inhibitory responses, even in complex situations.

Here are a few practical tips from Dr. Chase’s latest lesson:

1. Understand Your Child’s Unique Challenges: This is the first step toward managing impulses and inhibiting responses, and it allows for both empathy and constructive strategies that can help your child navigate their world more comfortably.

2. Set Realistic Expectations: It's crucial to have age-appropriate expectations for impulse control. Remember, impulsivity is a broad spectrum, and what might be standard for some children may not apply to all.

3. Consider the Environment: Children often respond impulsively to stimuli in their surroundings. Engineering the environment, such as creating a calm, predictable, and distraction-free space, can help reduce impulsive reactions.

4. Practice Patience and Tolerance: Frustrations can mount when dealing with impulsive behavior. But remember: minor misbehaviors, while seemingly impulsive, might be unavoidable in certain situations. The key is to address these minor issues and focus on maintaining a positive atmosphere.

5. Find the Right Strategies for Your Child: Introducing behavior plans, reinforcing positive impulse control, and providing praise and recognition can go a long way in managing impulsivity. Each child is unique, so it's essential to tailor your strategies to align with their individual needs and abilities.

6. Create Mindful Moments: Engaging your child in mindful minutes throughout the day and visualizing future goals can help children focus and reduce impulsive actions.

7. Understand Underlying Factors: Sleep, exercise, stress, nutrition, and emotions can significantly influence impulse control. It's essential to address these areas for comprehensive impulse management.

8. Partner with Teachers: Work with your child’s teachers to introduce and reinforce impulse control strategies and practice them often. However, understand that the learning process is gradual, and instant success is not guaranteed. Patience is the key!

In addition to understanding impulsivity, Dr. Chase shared specific tactics that can help students develop impulse control at home and in the classroom. Here are a few simple ideas: 

1. Make and post pictures of word lists of rules, procedures, routines, expectations, and consequences to reinforce structures. 

2. Make time visual by using tools such as an online clock, timer, or stopwatch. 

3. “Catch” your child withholding impulses and praise them when they demonstrate self-control. 

4. Use manipulatives and fidgets to help keep your child engaged with a task. 

5. Review rules, expectations, and consequences immediately before activities. 

6. Practice response inhibition via role-playing, stories, or books, and act out different scenarios and strategies for handling situations. 

7. Discourage multitasking, especially for older children, so that they stay on task. 

While impulsivity is a natural part of growing up, for children dealing with complex challenges like ADHD and anxiety, it can pose a unique set of difficulties.

Remember, every child is unique, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Employ different strategies, adapt according to your child's responses, and be patient with the process. You're not alone; our TQS community is here to support you! 

Join Our Exploration of Executive Functions!

As we continue this groundbreaking partnership with Dr. Chase, TQS invites you to stay connected and to learn along with us. We will keep you updated on key findings, tips, and best practices here on our blog, and on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for updates right in your inbox. 

We know that the knowledge and strategies we acquire from Dr. Chase will help us all be better advocates for the extraordinary children we are privileged to guide. Stay tuned for the next lesson!