If you find yourself raising a child who has a hard time controlling his impulses, you are not alone. Children, especially preschoolers, are naturally active and often fearless when it comes to expressing themselves or exploring their surroundings. With or without guidance, your child will act on his impulses inappropriately at times.
The Facts
Impulsive behavior is a way to describe acting before thinking about what effects the act might have on the situation or people around you. Children who display impulsive behavior do so by acting before they have all of the information necessary to carry out a task, calling out in a situation where quiet listening is expected or creating a disturbance in social situations. Children often feel bad about their actions once the ramifications become clear.
Learning Opportunity
Impulsiveness is a normal occurrence in preschool-age children as they begin to assert their independence and explore the world around them. If your child acts out in anger or frustration with impulsive behavior, use the outburst as a learning opportunity. Encourage your child to use words to express her feelings. Suggest ways that she can make the situation better. Children learn by example, so let your child see you make the same decisions when dealing with emotional situations.
ADHD
The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD are visible in some children as early as age 3. Impulsive behavior such as incessant talking, difficulty taking turns and trouble sitting still are symptoms of ADHD. The Mayo Clinic also points out that a certain amount of this type of impulsiveness is normal in young children. Consult a doctor about ADHD if your child displays impulsive behavior consistently in all activities. If your child concentrates on tasks at home but not at preschool or in social groups, ADHD is not likely the culprit of the behavior.
Considerations
Children develop skills at various paces. Impulse control is partly genetic and partly learned. Punishing your child for acting on impulses often is not useful. Child psychologist Kristi Alexander recommends disciplining your child by giving him a positive alternative to the impulsive behavior. Set reasonable, clear limits on what kind of behavior is acceptable in the situation he is in.
References
- Education.com; Impulsive Behavior; T.J. Zirpoli; 2008
- Illinois Early Learning Project: Helping Children Develop "Impulse Control"
- MayoClinic.com; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children; February 2011
- BabyCenter; Should I Worry if My Preschooler Can't Sit Still?; Kristi Alexander
