At what age do most children start to display self-regulation?

Most children begin to display self-regulation around the ages of 3 to 4 years. At this developmental stage, children start to exhibit greater control over their emotions, behaviors, and reactions to various situations. This ability to regulate their own behavior often involves managing impulses, waiting for turns, and coping with frustration.

During this period, children are also learning from social interactions and becoming more aware of social norms and expectations, which enhances their self-control. As they engage in play and interactions with peers, they practice skills such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts, which are aspects of self-regulation. This foundation set during early childhood is crucial for their continued social and emotional development as they grow older.