Self-control is defined as the ability to express and cope with strong emotions in a healthy, productive manner. For infants and young children, this may include saying, “I’m mad at you,” rather than hitting or biting a peer or family member. Self-control requires critical thinking skills, an integral part of child development. Young children learn these skills through interactions with others and guidance from parents and caregivers.
Infants are born with little-to-no self-control, but these skills will develop over time! Parents and caregivers can promote self-control by providing supportive and nurturing care. For example, if an infant becomes upset when being changed, the caregiver can communicate with the infant. Saying “I see you’re upset, and we are almost done,” can be meaningful for the baby. This validates the infant’s emotions and assures them their needs will be met.
In the classroom, our teachers and assistant staff demonstrate empathy and self-control when engaging with students. We invite you to read more about how to help your child develop self-control in this article.