Habits of Mind: Managing Impulsivity
Governor Mifflin Middle School believes that the development of "Habits of Mind" should be an integral part of every child's education. Habits of Mind skills help build the foundation for learning and reaching one's potential for learning and develop the disposition for problem solving and thinking critically. This week we will take a look at Managing Impulsivity.
As a continuation of our examination of the "Habits of Mind" series from The Institute for Habits of Mind, it would be irresponsible to not discuss the habit of managing impulsivity, especially for middle-school aged children. This is a crucial skill for teens and pre-teens and, if not learned, can manifest into other lasting problems. One might consider managing impulsivity as the ability to practice self control, but it is far easier said than done for adolescent children. Remember, the goal of developing the 16 Habits of Mind is to become a an effective problem solver and this requires deliberate, well-considered actions. Individuals who are skilled at this think before they act and are reflective of their decisions with the intent of learning from previous mistakes. This is extremely difficult for children under five years old and, in many cases, older children and some adults as well, unless they are explicitly taught how to manage emotions and impulsive behaviors. If you've ever witnessed someone displaying acts of road rage or other aggressive behaviors, you understand!
In the video below, Dr. Gordon Neufeld explains the age appropriateness of the development of managing impulsivity and the associated brain science.
“The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the application of reason.”
- Marya Mannes
It is also important to understand that a child who has experienced physical or emotional trauma and/or adverse experiences will have more difficulty developing self management skill, as people who experience trauma and adverse experiences more readily respond to circumstances emotionally rather than rationally. According to the Brain Balance article, Tips to Help Your Child Manage Impulsivity, there are some helpful tips you can do to help your kids, even those with ADHD, reduce impulsive behaviors. Summarized, they include:
* Raise Your Child’s Awareness of Impulsiveness - If a child acts impulsively, bring their attention to it and help them to better understand why the behavior is a problem in that moment. If your child interrupts you, advise them that you haven’t finished your conversation and that it’s important that they wait until you finish. When correcting your child’s impulsive behavior, it’s important to do so in a calm and helpful manner.
* Suggest Alternative Behaviors - Provide your child with tools to combat impulsive behavior.
* Take a Deep Breath - Techniques like breath awareness and mindfulness meditation can help improve impulse control. Teach your child to take a few deep breaths when they feel their excitement or impulsivity building.
* Praise Patience - Acknowledge when your child is being patient and reward them for positive behavior with praise.
In summary, it is important to note that children may develop impulsivity management skills at different rates, depending on adverse experiences, trauma, and explicit instruction. And while it may appear that some children are at different developmental stages with regard to managing impulsivity, it is never too late to promote and help them improve these skills. Modeling and mindful consideration of how we respond to impulsive behaviors will play a big role in how well and how fast children will develop these skills.
Additional resources and what's on the horizon for flex period!
Additional Resources
Flex Period Schedule
Days 1 & 4 - SSR - Silent Sustained Reading - Learn More Here
Days 2 & 5 - iReady - Family Resource Page
Days 3 & 6 - SEL - Social Emotional Learning Schedule
* SEL lessons will resume at the conclusion of PSSA testing on 5/1.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in education!
Sincerely,
Chris Killinger
GMMS Associate Principal
