Remote Control Impulse Control
This game uses the remote control symbols to facilitate learning the skills. The symbols are to STOP and redirect behavior; REWIND and learn from past mistakes; and FAST FORWARD and think ahead about potential consequences. There are both competitive and cooperative versions for grades 1-5 and for grades 6-9. The two age groups have separate decks of cards. During the game players read brief case studies adapted from the angry behavior of real kids. Players then practice one of the three essential skills: they PAUSE and describe an additional feeling that they might have along with anger in the scenario, or they REWIND and describe a time in the past when they have been successful calming their angry feelings, or they FAST FORWARD and describe a typical angry response or behavior that might follow the scenario and the probable consequence if the angry behavior is acted on. All players practice all three skills during the course of the game. In addition to practicing the three skills, players practice planning ahead and social skills as well as exercising frustration tolerance.