Effects Of The Turtle Technique On Self-control
Getting children to gain good self-control is not easy; it’s even more complicated if they have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or other behavioral problems. In cases like these it can be very useful to use ad hoc techniques, such as the turtle technique.
The latter, although best known as a strategy to improve self-control, hides other benefits. Let’s see what are the effects of the turtle technique on self-control.
Self-control is the ability to regulate the intensity, frequency and duration of behavior, emotions and feelings. This includes managing impulses, stress, frustration, anger, aggression, fear, etc.
What does this technique consist of?
The turtle technique is inspired by the behavior of this animal which, when it feels threatened, hides and closes itself in the carapace. The child can imitate this when he needs to control his impulses, emotions or reactions. To use this infantile self-control technique correctly, the child will be taught to:
- Respond to the word “turtle”. Upon hearing this password, the child must hide, putting his head in his arms.
- Relax the muscles while assuming the turtle position. By means of muscle relaxation, in fact, the appearance of aggressive or destructive behaviors is avoided.
- Use problem solving techniques (discussion group, role play, corrective reinforcement, social reinforcement, mediation, etc.). Evaluate possible alternatives to manage the situation.
It is important to teach these three steps gradually. In other words, until the previous level is mastered, one cannot move on to the next. This allows the child to familiarize himself with the technique little by little and to assimilate each procedure well with the relative instructions.
Perhaps there is no psychological capacity more important than resisting impulses.
– Daniel Goleman –
Effects of the turtle technique
As we have seen, this technique is used with the main aim of teaching the child self-control. The effects of the turtle technique involve other aspects as well.
- Improve the ability to recognize and express feelings.
- Increase social skills.
- Help the child understand different views and opinions from their own.
- Improve the ability to make decisions.
- Facilitates conflict resolution.
- Increase self-esteem.
Let’s see, in particular, how the turtle technique can stimulate the child’s self-esteem.
Turtle technique and self-esteem
Learning to master this technique can have very positive effects on a child’s self-esteem and self-love. This because:
- Learn to control yourself without the need for external intervention (dad, mom, teacher, etc.). In this way the child feels satisfied and has confidence in his own abilities.
- Blocking inappropriate behavior in the bud leads to positive reinforcement from parents, teachers, etc. Thanks to this, he feels more satisfied with his actions and the decisions made, seeing himself gratified by the reference figures.
- He perceives himself as an already big child, able to use different strategies for solving problems, instead of engaging in impulsive and unreasonable behaviors.
