Chapter Fourteen: Impulse Control - Resisting the Urge
Teens’ impulsive actions are driven by brain development, requiring understanding, support, and strategies to build self-control

Key Takeaways for Parents/Caregivers

Rooted in Brain Development
Impulse control is neurologically based: Impulsive behaviors in teens are rooted in brain development, not just poor decision-making or lack of willpower

Brain Regions
The prefrontal cortex and amygdala mature slowly: These brain regions, crucial for planning and self-regulation, develop later in adolescence, making it harder for teens to pause before acting

Appears like Defiance
Impulsivity can look like defiance: Behaviors such as acting without thinking, emotional outbursts, and difficulty following directions are often symptoms of impulse control challenges, not intentional rule-breaking

Brain Reward System
Dopamine dysregulation plays a role: The brain’s reward system can reinforce impulsive actions, making them feel exciting or necessary in the moment

Daily Life Impact
Impulse control affects daily life: Difficulties can impact focus, organization, social relationships, and academic or workplace performance, especially under peer pressure

Ask "What or How, not Why"
Supportive questioning helps: Asking “what” and “how” questions (instead of “why”) reduces shame and encourages self-reflection, helping teens understand their impulses

Create a Mental Buffer
The H.O.P. (Halt, Observe, Plan) technique builds self-regulation: Teaching teens to pause, notice their feelings, and plan their actions creates a mental buffer between urge and action

Tailor Interventions
Visual, verbal, and movement-based strategies matter: Tailoring interventions to a teen’s learning style—using drawings, verbal cues, or physical signals—can improve impulse control

Brain Dysfunction
Physical action filters in the brain: The basal ganglia and supplementary motor area help filter and coordinate physical impulses, and dysfunction here can lead to fidgeting or sudden movements

Mission Control
Executive function is like mission control: Teens with impulse control challenges may struggle to prioritize, coordinate, and execute appropriate responses under pressure

Hyperfocus
Attention is a zoom lens: Teens may hyperfocus on impulses or get distracted by multiple stimuli, making it hard to maintain perspective in the moment

Caregiver Involvement
Caregiver involvement is crucial: Parents and caregivers can support teens by modeling self-reflection, providing consistent feedback, and helping them develop personalized strategies for managing impulses
Explore Further
Recommended Readings
Join the Conversation
We invite you to delve deeper into the transformative insights of Embracing Hope. Share your experiences with Chapter five and connect with a community of caregivers dedicated to making a difference. Your story could inspire others on their journey.