Impulse Control Games for Littles (That Actually Work)

Alexandria Fernandez
May 27
3 min read

Let’s be real little kids have big feelings and tiny brakes. One second they’re calmly building with blocks, the next they’re launching them across the room like mini catapults. Sound familiar?

That’s where impulse control comes in and no, it’s not something they just “grow out of.” It’s a skill that needs to be taught, modeled, and most importantly... practiced. A lot.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or long lectures. You just need a little creativity, some patience, and a whole lot of play.

Want a little help getting started? Grab our FREE Pause & Play Game Cards, 8 quick, silly impulse control prompts you can use anytime, anywhere. Download here →

Wait, What Is Impulse Control?

Impulse control is your child’s ability to pause, think, and then act. It’s what helps them:

Wait their turn
Follow directions
Not scream “NOOOO!” when it’s time to clean up
Keep their hands to themselves when someone has a toy they want

It’s part of their executive functioning aka the brain’s control panel and it takes years to develop. Think of it like a muscle... it gets stronger the more they use it.

For some families, it helps to have visual reminders around the house or classroom. A kid friendly tool like our Feelings Chart can guide children to stop, notice how they feel, and choose what to do next. Get the free chart here →

Play-Based Games That Teach Self-Control (Without the Power Struggles)

These games are tried, true, and fun and sneak in all that impulse control practice without your kid even noticing. Perfect for parents at home or educators in the classroom.

1. Red Light, Green Light

A favorite for a reason! It’s all about stopping and going and learning to listen.

How to play: Say “Green light!” (they go) and “Red light!” (they freeze). Toss in “Yellow light” for slow-motion fun!

Why it works: They’re moving their bodies but also learning to stop themselves on cue.

Try using visual aids like the Learning Resources Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock to reinforce visual stop/go cues during play.

Download our “I Can Pause!” Superhero Poster here →

2. Freeze Dance

Play music, get the wiggles out, and stop the music randomly, everyone FREEZES.

Pro tip: Use goofy songs or switch up the speed to keep them guessing.

Why it helps: They have to control their body mid-movement, which is huge for little learners.

Try a kid friendly Bluetooth speaker like the Tonies Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set for safe, easy music play.

3. Simon Says

An old-school classic, and still gold.

How to play: Only follow the direction if you say “Simon says…” beforehand.

Why it works: They’ve got to slow down and listen before jumping in. Hello, self control.

4. Snack Delay Game (aka the “Patience Challenge”)

Put a small treat (like a cracker or a grape) in front of your child. Ask them to wait until you say “Go!” before they eat it.

Start small: Like 3–5 seconds. Add more time as they get better.

Why it works: It builds the ability to wait, something that helps with everything from turn-taking to tantrum control.

Use a visual timer like the Yunbaoit Visual Timer to help kids see time passing. Add a sensory fidget from the Hand 2 Mind Calming Sounds Sensory Tubes to support emotional regulation while they wait.

5. Statue Garden

Pretend your kiddos are statues and you’re the silly gardener. Try to make them laugh or move, but they have to stay totally still.

Why it’s awesome: They’re having fun AND learning to manage the impulse to wiggle, giggle, or yell “BOO!”

Tips for Parents and Teachers

These games are great, but here’s how to make them actually work in real life:

Keep it short. Littles aren’t meant to focus for 30 minutes. Try 5–10 minutes max.
Make it silly. The sillier the better, play keeps the pressure off and the learning strong.
Celebrate effort. “You really tried to freeze!” is more powerful than “Good job winning.”
Repeat often. These are muscle building activities, practice, practice, practice.

Real Talk...This Is a Long Game

Impulse control isn’t something your toddler will master in a day or even a month. Heck, some adults still struggle with it (looking at me, I'm a midnight snacker).

But the more you play these kinds of games, at home, at school, during downtime, the more your little one builds those brain pathways that help them pause, think, and make a better choice.

You’re not just managing meltdowns. You’re raising a human who can handle big feelings, respect boundaries, and think before they act.

And that? That’s a big deal.