Boosting Young Minds: The Power of Play in Developing Inhibitory Control

Dr. Cynthia DiCarlo, Louisiana State University

Dr. Denise Rueter, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Kaitlyn Lambert, Brusly Elementary, West Baton Rouge Parish

As parents, educators, and caregivers, we all want the best for the children in our lives. We want to see them succeed academically, thrive socially, and manage their emotions effectively. A key factor in achieving these goals is the development of executive function, which includes working memory, cognitive flexibility, and, most importantly for this discussion, inhibitory control. Inhibitory control is the ability to suppress distractions and regulate impulses. This skill is crucial for early learning and a strong predictor of academic success and emotional regulation. In this post, we’ll explore how play-based activities can foster inhibitory control in young children, setting them up for success in school and beyond.

The Importance of Inhibitory Control

Inhibitory control is the ability to resist distractions, manage impulses, and focus on tasks. It's the cognitive skill that allows children to think before they act. This ability is fundamental for classroom learning, enabling children to concentrate on instructions, follow rules, and engage in activities. Research shows that children with strong inhibitory control tend to perform better academically and are more socially adept. It's a skill that impacts all areas of development, from paying attention in class to managing emotions on the playground.

The Challenge of Attention in Early Childhood

Unfortunately, attention disorders are increasingly common in young children. Over six million children were diagnosed with attention disorders in 2016, with 388,000 of those in early childhood. Factors like excessive screen time can exacerbate these issues, leading to difficulties in sustaining attention and controlling impulses. This makes it even more critical for parents and educators to proactively support the development of executive function skills, especially inhibitory control, in young children.

Play: A Powerful Tool for Developing Inhibitory Control

Fortunately, young children do not need structured drills to develop these skills. Instead, developmentally appropriate practices emphasize the role of play. Play is not just enjoyable, it is essential for cognitive and social-emotional development. When children play, they build problem-solving skills, develop language, and form social relationships. Play also provides an ideal context for practicing and developing executive function skills.

Here are some ways play can foster inhibitory control:

• Structured Games: Games with rules provide children with opportunities to practice inhibiting their initial reactions. For example, games like "Red Light, Green Light" require children to stop or go based on the instructions. These activities can help children learn to control their impulses, a key component of inhibitory control.

• Peer Interaction: Social interactions during play help children learn to regulate emotions, focus their attention, and reduce impulsive behaviors. Social cognitive theory suggests that children learn behaviors by observing their peers. When children play together, they have opportunities to observe and learn self-regulation strategies from others.

• Choice and Autonomy: Allowing children to make choices about their play activities boosts their motivation and helps develop problem-solving skills and attention. This sense of autonomy allows children to be more engaged in their learning and facilitates the development of executive function skills.

Game-Based Interventions

A recent study (Lambert et al., 2025) explored the effectiveness of game-based interventions in improving inhibitory control in kindergarten-aged children. The study used activities recommended by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child that were designed to be played with peers. The activities specifically targeted inhibitory skills. The researchers found that incorporating these games into regular classroom routines could significantly improve children’s ability to regulate emotions and stay on task.

Here are some examples of the types of activities used in the study:

• Simon Says: A classic game that requires children to follow directions, but only when "Simon Says" precedes the command. This game promotes selective attention and inhibits a response when not indicated.

• Freeze Dance: Children dance while the music is playing, and when the music stops, they must freeze. This game fosters impulse control and the ability to inhibit movement.

• The Opposite Game: Children are given instructions to do the opposite action. For example, if you say “stand” they must sit or if you say “quiet” they must be noisy. This game can help develop cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control.

The study also demonstrated that children engaged in the games for around 10 minutes during free choice time. This indicates that game-based interventions do not have to be long in duration to benefit inhibitory control.

The Role of Educators and Parents

Teachers and caregivers play a crucial role in creating an environment that supports the development of executive function skills. This includes:

• Providing a wide range of play-based activities that target cognitive skills like inhibitory control.

• Creating structured play opportunities that promote focus and attention.

• Monitoring and limiting screen time to avoid its negative impact on executive function skills.

• Encouraging peer interactions and social learning experiences.

Parents can also apply similar game-based strategies at home to support their children's emotional regulation and attention. Activities like simple board games, building blocks, and pretend play can enhance children’s inhibitory control.

Conclusion

The early years are critical for developing executive function skills, particularly inhibitory control. By incorporating play-based interventions in early childhood classrooms and at home, we can help children strengthen these skills, leading to better academic outcomes, improved emotional regulation, and overall success. Providing opportunities for play in safe enriching environments allows children to thrive. As the research indicates, early interventions in executive function can bridge developmental gaps and set children up for long-term success.

Reference

Lambert, K., DiCarlo, C., & Rueter, D. (2025). Using games and activities to increase inhibitory control skills in kindergarten-aged children. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01847-x