How can I help my child control his urges?

Lara Honos-Webb, PhD

Psychology

If your child is between five and nine years old, tell him you want to talk to him about the “Urge Monster.” If he is older, you can talk more straightforwardly about uncontrollable urges. You can share with him some of your own urges as an example. Tell your child that everyone has an Urge Monster and that it is important to feed the monster but to not let it control you. Ask your child to talk about some of his urges, and then brainstorm with him to find ways to feed and control the Urge Monster without getting into trouble.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.