The 3 Types of Self-Control
Having self-control isn’t as simple as it sounds. A lot goes into it. Here are three areas of self-control, and how kids might struggle with them.
Impulse Control
What it means: The ability to stop and think before acting. It lets us think through consequences before we do something.
Without it kids may:
Interrupt a lot, talk too much, or speak out of turn
Not get started on homework until close to bedtime
Rush through assignments
Follow rules one day but not the next
Emotional Control
What it means: The ability to manage feelings. It helps us keep going even when upsetting or unexpected things happen.
Without it kids may:
Get easily frustrated and give up
Not handle criticism well
Have a hard time calming down to get things done (like homework)
Have trouble keeping their cool when someone upsets or annoys them
Movement Control
What it means: The ability to control how our body moves. It lets us regulate what we do physically in an appropriate way.
Without it kids may:
Be overly active or restless
Have trouble sitting still
Have difficulty staying in line while waiting their turn
Disrupt games and conversations with their movements