Center for the Developing Child Harvard University: Executive Function

The studies report that "a range of tests measuring different forms of executive function skills indicate that they begin to develop shortly after birth, with ages 3 to 5 providing an important window of opportunity for dramatic growth in these skills. Growth continues throughout adolescence and early adulthood; proficiency begins to decline later in life." Some questions to consider: What are executive function and self-regulation skills? Why are they so important? How and when do they develop? What role do parents and adults play?