Self-Control

Self Control means to chose to do what is expected and what is needed despite the fact that you do not wan to do it. Think of a time when you lacked self-control. What happened? (For instance, scrolling through your phone and an hour passes by) How does it feel to choose to do what you should even when you don't want to? Are you proud of your accomplishments? Do you get more done? Do you stop wasting time? What do you have trouble resisting? What do you do to avoid being tempted?

Asking yourself these questions, you can see how self control can be difficult for adults. So let's imagine what it must be for a child who has not had the same amount of practice. It will be tempting to choose playing video games vs. doing chores or homework. When we ask our self how have we developed our own self-control, we can then ask how we can help our children develop their own self-control. By providing loving guidance in this area and thinking about it as a practice and skill that needs developing, we can help our children develop this self-control needed in our lives.

Self-control can be difficult lesson to learn as a young person. Have you ever seen a toddler throw a temper tantrum? It's because they don't yet possess the skills to practice self-control.

Discuss with your child what you learned from the video and how they can improve their own self-control. What do they think about their intelligence? Do they have the mindset to believe in their capabilities? How can you guide them into having better self-control?

Make a list of things in your life that you want to do but are unhealthy for you. How can you avoid making these unhealthy choices? For example, you really like to eat greasy foods or chocolate but t hey are unhealthy food options. What are some things that will help you choose to do the right thing, even when you don't want to? Are there certain places that you should avoid or are their specific times that you could avoid these places? Come up with some practical strategies to help you sharpen your self-control.

Remember that children learn best through examples. However, you behave or exhibit self-control is likely the same way they will exhibit those aspects of their life as well. It's ok to talk about your own lack of self-control and how you plan to improve it. This can give a very good example and life lesson to your child by showing how you are still working on your own self-control to help them see it is something we all have to constantly practice to be able to maintain. The more you practice, the better you will get and help yourself to become successful and happy.