Self-Control Games That Make a Big Impact in Counseling Sessions

If you work with kids, you know how tricky self-control can be. Whether it’s blurting out answers, interrupting, or having big emotional reactions, impulse control is a daily challenge for many elementary students. But here’s the good news: you can teach self-control and make it fun—with the right activities.

In this post, I’m sharing why games are a game-changer for teaching impulse control, how they support social-emotional learning (SEL), and one of my favorite low-prep tools: the Self-Control Roll & Respond game.

🎯 Why Games Work for Teaching Self-Control

Kids learn best when they’re engaged—and what’s more engaging than a game? Games offer the perfect opportunity to:

• Practice waiting and turn-taking

• Manage disappointment

• Think before acting

• Follow multi-step directions

• Reflect on behavior in a low-pressure way

When used intentionally, games can reinforce self-management, one of the five core areas of SEL, while also building relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

🧠 What Is Self-Control, Really?

Self-control is the ability to pause, think, and act in a way that’s safe, respectful, and appropriate—especially when emotions or impulses are strong. For elementary students, that might look like:

• Raising a hand instead of shouting

• Staying in line even when excited

• Taking deep breaths when frustrated

• Listening during group time

These are learned skills, not automatic ones—and they require lots of practice in a safe, supportive environment.

🌀 How I Use Self-Control Games in Counseling Sessions

In both one-on-one and small group counseling, I’ve found that games help students apply the concepts we teach. Here’s how I like to structure a self-control game session:

1. Start With a Mini Lesson
   Introduce or review a self-regulation tool, like the “Stop, Think, Do” strategy or a calm-down technique.

2. Play With Purpose
   Choose a game that requires focus, turn-taking, or quick decision-making. Make time to pause and reflect as you go.

3. Debrief & Reflect
   Ask questions like:

• “What was hard for you in this game?”

• “Did you feel a strong urge to react quickly?”

• “How did you show self-control?”

🎲 A Favorite Tool: Self-Control Roll & Respond

One of my go-to resources is my Self-Control Roll & Respond game. It’s simple, engaging, and packed with reflection opportunities.

Here’s how it works:
Students roll a die and land on prompts like:

• “Describe a time you used self-control today.”

• “What could you do if you feel like shouting in class?”

• “How do you know when you’re about to lose control?”

The roll-and-talk format makes it feel like play—but every question builds awareness, emotional insight, and actionable strategies.

➡️ Grab the Self-Control Roll & Respond game here and use it for small groups, morning meetings, or individual behavior support.

🧩 Other Easy Self-Control Games You Can Try:

• Red Light, Green Light – great for impulse control and body regulation

• Simon Says – requires focus and listening

• Freeze Dance – builds start/stop awareness and emotional regulation

• Mindful Jenga – each block has a self-reflection prompt

• Uno or Go Fish – simple games that reinforce turn-taking and frustration tolerance
  
  

💬 Final Thoughts

Self-control can be a challenge for many students—but it doesn’t have to be boring to teach. By using fun, meaningful games, we give kids the chance to practice in ways they’ll remember and enjoy.

👉 Ready to bring more calm and control to your sessions?
➡️ Try the Self-Control Roll & Respond game today and make SEL skills stick through play.