Self-Control

Encouraging Self-Control without a Power Struggle

While your child is developing a lot of good Self-Control skills, such as taking turns and sharing, there are still times when there are struggles. His strong sense of preferences might mean he only wants to use his blue plate to eat or only wear his red sneakers. He may have trouble transitioning between activities, as well. But because he is better able to express how he feels, talk to him about those feelings and try to find a solution together. Agree to let him wear the red sneakers when it's weather and location appropriate. Or allow him to use the blue plate for breakfast everyday, but ask him to pick other plates for his other meals.

Has your child achieved the following Self-Control developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all the skill(s) he has already mastered to date!