Skills Guide
Teaching: Self-Control
Self-Control
Why This Skill Matters
Self-control is essential for resilience because it allows students to manage impulses and emotions in high-pressure situations. Without self-control, students may act in ways that undermine goals or relationships. Teaching self-control helps students stay aligned with values and expectations even when emotions are strong.
Student Challenges This Skill Helps Address
- Emotional outbursts
- Impulsivity
- Difficulty following expectations under stress
How WhyTry Builds This Skill
WhyTry develops self-control through Emotional Regulation, where students practice pausing and choosing responses. Responsibility & Self-Discipline reinforces this by emphasizing follow-through and meeting expectations. Facilitators help students understand that self-control builds strength and opportunity.
Emotional Regulation
(“Defense Mechanisms”)
In Emotional Regulation, self-control is developed by teaching students to pause, recognize emotional triggers, and choose responses intentionally. Facilitators guide students to practice strategies that prevent escalation and protect goals, reinforcing self-control as a resilience skill.
Responsibility & Self-Discipline
(“Lift the Weight”)
Responsibility & Self-Discipline reinforces self-control through routines, expectations, and accountability. Facilitators help students reflect on how controlling impulses builds trust, opportunity, and independence.