
Individual Reflections
Tan Xin Xin | T03
Health Psychology
In school, children learn to follow rules, respond appropriately to authority figures, and form meaningful relationships with peers (Gliebe, 2011). Impulse control in early childhood is therefore critical for one to succeed academically, socially and emotionally (Tarullo, Obradovic, & Gunnar, 2009). To address impulse control in children, we could launch the ‘C.O.P.E.S. with impulse’ campaign in primary schools nationwide. Appropriate school interventions fosters effective education, prevent destructive behavior, and promote enduring health practices (Lee & Cheung, 2017). This campaign aims to educate children on:
1. What impulsive behaviours are
2. Benefits of impulse control
3. Coping methods
4. Application of coping methods
‘C.O.P.E.S. with impulse’ is a roving campaign whereby educational buses could go around visiting different primary schools in Singapore. These mini buses will be equipped with interactive exhibits and augmented reality technology to help students better understand impulse control with fun! Game booths could also be set up for children to participate in fun-filled activities like card games, charades and role play. Play not only helps in the learning and development of children, they also embed behaviour change procedures needed to make individual positive health changes (Baranowski et al., 2016). Furthermore, an assembly talk could also be held to provide students with more knowledge about impulse control. This platform ensures that students who missed visiting the educational booths, are likewise reached out to. This campaign takes the form of an educational appeal that provides children with the correct information to make appropriate health decisions (World Health Organization, 2012).
Word count: 250 words



'Deal with it' card game
References
BaranowskI, T. et al. (2016). Games for health for children- current status and needed research. Games For Health Journal, 5(1), 1-12. doi: 10.1089/g4h.2015.0026
Gliebe, S. K. (2011). The development of self-control in young children. Lutheran Education Journal, 1(1), 23-34.
Lee, A., & Cheung, R. M. (2017). School as setting to create a healthy teaching and learning environment. Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 2(4), 200-214. doi: 10.1108/JPCC-05-2017-0013
Tarullo, A. R., Obradovic, J., & Gunnar, M. R. (2009). Self-control and the developing brain. Zero to Three, 1(1) 31-37.
World Health Organization. (2012). Health education. Executive Summary. Cairo: World Health Organization.