How can I teach my child to control their impulses and resolve conflicts?

[Rayna Parker]

My toddler has started hitting and biting other children at daycare. I’ve explained to them why this behavior is wrong, but it keeps happening.

[Luna Brown]

As a parent, I’ve seen my child struggle with controlling their impulses, especially during playtime when they’d grab toys without asking or get frustrated easily. One day, after they snatched a toy from a friend, I sat them down and calmly explained how their actions could make others feel. I taught them to take a deep breath and use words like, “Can I have a turn, please?” instead of reacting impulsively. It wasn’t easy at first, but with patience and consistent reminders, they started pausing before acting and even apologising when needed. Seeing them resolve conflicts calmly now feels like a proud parenting win!

[tudhgeet kaur]

Helping kids control impulses and handle conflicts takes practice, but it’s doable! Start by modeling calm behavior yourself—they’ll learn a lot just by watching you. Teach them to name their emotions (“I’m mad because…”), and encourage them to pause and take a deep breath before reacting. Role-play common conflicts and talk through solutions together. Praise them when they handle a tough situation well—it builds confidence!

[mathew smith]

As a parent, I’ve found that teaching impulse control and conflict resolution is a journey that requires a lot of patience. One method that worked for us was using simple stories or role-play scenarios to illustrate what better choices look like. For example, we’d pretend to be in a situation where someone wants the same toy, and we’d practice asking nicely or waiting our turn. It also helps to celebrate small wins—when my child successfully handled a tricky moment, I’d give them a high-five or say, “I’m so proud of how you handled that!” It’s amazing to see the gradual shift as they start using these strategies on their own.

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