Skip to main content

Is your child exhibiting impulsive behavior? Here’s what you need to know

Kids will be kids. They’re young and full of energy and wonder with the world around them. So, now and then, they might try something a bit daring “just to see what would happen,” or they might blurt out something odd when you least expect it. Trial and error are part of the learning process that comes with growing up — and with parenting.

At the same time, you might be concerned about the impulsive behavior of your child as time goes on. Could this be a sign that you’re dealing with ADHD or some other condition? Not every type of impulsive behavior points toward a mental health condition or exceptionality. Thus, we’ve brought you more information on what certain impulsive behaviors might mean, their possible causes, and some tips for handling such a situation.

What’s the difference between common and impulsive behavior?

To some degree, impulsive behavior goes hand in hand with a child’s stages of development. Many of the unexpected childhood quirks occur because the brain develops at its fastest pace during the first eight years of life according to the CDC. Still, once a child hits the tween years and then puberty, brain development, especially in the frontal lobe, speeds up once again, which directly affects behavior. This area, according to an article updated by Dr. Daniel J. Bell, is in charge of decision-making, planning, memory, and attention — all of the components necessary to overcome impulsivity.

Thus, when you see behaviors that don’t make any sense and even go against years of teaching your child about safety, social skills, and self-control, chances are you don’t have to worry about any conditions of the brain. Your child is simply trying to keep up with the changes that are happening.

On the other hand, if you notice impulsive behavior in your child that’s getting out of control and affecting daily life regularly, then you might need to consult your pediatrician about finding help. Some examples of impulsivity include:

  • restlessness and inability to sleep
  • aggression
  • constant interrupting
  • distraction (at the slightest change in the immediate surroundings)
  • a lack of understanding consequences and how words and actions affect others
Girl sitting and holding a stuffed animal while talking to therapist
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What causes impulsive behavior in a child?

If your child has trouble controlling his or her impulses, this could indicate that an evaluation might be necessary. There are some possible causes for impulsive behavior in a child that relate to a mental health condition or exceptionality such as:

  • ADHD
  • ADD
  • a mood disorder
  • Autism Spectral Disorder
  • a phobia

When looking for a possible cause for impulsive behavior, you can start with your pediatrician and/or the resource teacher at your school. Some school districts have a diagnostician on staff, and that professional can also lead you in the right direction towards getting help for your child.

Mom and daughter sitting on couch meditating
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do you deal with impulsive children?

Fortunately, there are many strategies for dealing with impulsive behavior in your child and helping him or her to acquire the necessary skills for coping with social and academic settings. Some approaches include:

  • positive reinforcement, like a small reward, for positive behavior
  • giving verbal or nonverbal praise (like a thumbs-up) for good behavior
  • communicating frequent reminders when transitioning from one activity to another
  • outlining clear and specific rules
  • “charging” a dime or quarter for each infraction, like interrupting during a phone call

Overall, you’ll need to set clearly defined limits and try to keep a consistent, predictable schedule; this will cut down on anxiety and outbursts. Likewise, you can prepare your child for special occasions, trips, gatherings, and anything else that deviates from the regular routine. For any behaviors that aren’t appropriate, like pushing or yelling, you should provide consequences immediately while talking with your child about what can be done differently and why the action wasn’t appropriate for the situation.

Patience, consistency, and a close partnership with teachers and mental health professionals will help your child learn to manage his or her condition. You can also look at other factors, like a balanced diet that’s low in sugar and processed foods and exercise to release some of the extra energy. Although it will be a challenge, the impulsive behavior in your child won’t pose a lifelong obstacle if you, your family, and a solid team of professionals work together to promote effective skills that your child will learn to employ.

Editors' Recommendations

Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
Kid-friendly YouTubers your child will be safe watching
YouTube accounts your kids will love
two kids playing on phones

Kids love to watch videos on YouTube, and since most are watching on handheld devices and not large televisions, it can sometimes be hard for parents to always monitor what they're watching.  And whether you try to limit screen time or not, chances are your kids are watching something without your knowledge.

Most parents have taken steps to introduce children to internet safety, with some installing parental controls while others try to make sure they always know what sites their kids are visiting. YouTube has become hugely popular amongst kids with a seemingly endless variety of new creators who are posting content kids love. It can be overwhelming for parents to try to keep up and make sure their kids are only following kid-friendly YouTubers who aren’t teaching them the wrong things.

Read more
What is normal teen sexual behavior? We’ve got answers to help you understand your teenager
When you should start talking to your teens about sex
Two teenagers on a date outside

Parenting teens is not for the faint of heart! Exploring sexuality is a normal part of growing up, especially as kids progress through their teenage years. Although it may be uncomfortable for parents to discuss sex behavior with their teens, being educated about typical sexual development and what teens may be hearing from their peers is important. Parents should be able to talk openly with their child about protection, consent, risk reduction, and other issues.
Teens will be talking about sex and exploring this new part of their lives eventually and it's perfectly natural. Having your head in the sand won't make it go away, so the information below will prepare you with information to tackle this new stage of parenting.

Puberty
The onset of puberty is what can start the beginning of this stage of life for teens, but it doesn't mean they're ready for sex; just that they may start experiencing sexual thoughts like crushes or urges like feeling aroused. On average, puberty begins between ages 8 and 14.

Read more
Need to move things along? You can actually make prune juice for babies
Prune juice works for adults, but is it good for babies, too?
Mother comforting a crying baby

Prunes act as a natural laxative. The fruit is often used when adults and kids have difficulty going to the bathroom. As a parent, constipation is a major source of concern especially when it comes to babies. When babies get constipated parents often feel helpless, not knowing what to do to provide relief.
If you need some help to move things along, you may want to try a homemade remedy like prune juice for babies. Prune juice is a natural solution that's quick and easy to make at home. The important question to ask before heading to the blender though is prune juice safe for babies?

Signs of constipation in babies
Prune juice for babies is an option when little ones are constipated, but it's a good idea to know what you're dealing with before considering using prunes as a laxative for your kiddo. As an adult, it's simple to recognize when you're constipated, but what are the symptoms when a baby has difficulty pooping?

Read more