223. What do kids need before impulse control can improve?
Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and ResilienceShow Notes
Impulsivity doesn’t come from nowhere. It shows up when emotions move faster than skills.
In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline moves into part 2 of impulse control, unpacking what kids actually need to slow impulsive reactions and make better choices when feelings surge. You’ll hear why impulse control cannot be taught in isolation, how emotional literacy lays the groundwork, and why kids need repeated, real-world practice, not lectures, to change behaviour.
We talk about recognizing emotional patterns, mapping triggers across the day, teaching opposite actions, building self-coaching language, and creating safe opportunities for kids to practice responding differently while emotions are active. This episode is packed with practical strategies for parents, educators, and clinicians who want to help kids build real pause, choice, and follow-through.
Homework Ideas Track daily emotion triggers using simple ABC notes (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) Help kids identify body cues that signal rising emotion Create a short list of opposite actions for common emotions Practice self-coaching scripts out loud, then quietly Set up safe, repeatable practice moments at home or school Reinforce effort with specific feedback Rotate practice across settings, people, and times of day
Helpful Tools Coping cards Choice boards Emotion–action–outcome maps Visual stop cues Progress tracking charts
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