The skills that we have in order to multi task and plan and focus our attention, are known as executive function and self regulation. When people learn these skills, it not only helps them, but it helps society as a whole. These two skills rely on three other skills – working memory, mental flexibility, and self control. Self control is our ability to avoid being impulsive, and instead, set priorities for ourselves. Mental flexibility is being able to move our focus from one thing to another.
Key Takeaways:
- Learning how to self regulate ultimately helps people to make the correct choices for both themselves and their loved ones.
- Self control is our ability to look at a situation, and remove ourselves from ones that look like bad choices – we learn not to act on impulse.
- Even though we are not born with the ability to self regulate, we are born with the ability to develop self regulation.
“When children have opportunities to develop executive function and self-regulation skills, individuals and society experience lifelong benefits.”
Read more: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/