What is it? The  Inhibitory control system is a core executive function. It involves controlling our automatic urges (attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions) by pausing, then using attention and reasoning to respond appropriately. Inhibitory control involves our ability to think before we react. 

In babies and toddlers stimulating the inhibitory control system in a playful way aids this systems development and your child’s understanding of the physical PAUSE before continuing.  

This will benefit them with impulse control, conversation flow, physical safety of when to STOP (i.e by a road) and emotional responses. The part of your child’s brain which deals with inhibitory control grows and develops rapidly through early childhood so playing fun games that help with system to development when your child is young is hugely beneficial to them. 

Why does it matter? Studies have shown that “Children who had better inhibitory control abilities were more likely to have better social skills and less internalizing behaviors (Liu et al., 2018)”. Also, inhibitory control abilities seem to be related to both math and literacy skills in young children. 

How can we help? There are various ways you can play with your child to aid this development: 

Physical movement and STOP – with little babies gently wiggle their legs or pat their tummy or bottom before saying a clear STOP and immediately stopping the action. With toddlers jump up and down or run around the room before you STOP! 

Moving a toy/ instrument and STOP – Wiggle a soft toy or shake a maraca, getting your little one engaged. If they are toddlers get them to hold a toy or instrument and copy you. After a few moments say a clear STOP and immediately stop the action. 

Wiggle a chiffon/ muslin/ scarf and STOP – Using a brightly coloured chiffon, muslin (www.ettaloves.com do stunning sensory muslins which would be ideal!) or scarf wiggle the fabric or move it up and down. Once your little one is engaged in the item say a clear STOP and immediately stop the item moving. Again if working with a toddler give them their own scarf or chiffon to copy you. 

Singing and STOP – Sing your little ones favourite song and at the end say a clear STOP and be silent for a moment. 

Dancing and STOP – This is great for toddlers or babies who love to boogie! Dance around with your little one and after a few moments of dance say a clear STOP and everyone freeze, like musical statues! 

With toddlers you will soon start to notice them trying the STOP during an activity, wherever you can follow their instructions and STOP, this will bring them huge delight and confirm their understanding of the action.  



We do lots of inhibitory control in our class and the babies and toddler respond so quickly! I love when a baby or toddler initiates a STOP and is so chuffed with themselves when the whole class freezes!