At what age do children typically begin to show self-regulation?

Children typically begin to show self-regulation around the age of 2 years. At this stage of development, children are starting to exercise control over their emotions, behaviors, and impulses. They begin to understand social norms and expectations, which allows them to manage their reactions in certain situations.

This is often seen through behaviors such as waiting their turn, sharing with others, or calming themselves down after becoming upset.

While self-regulation continues to develop well past the age of 2, this age marks a significant milestone where foundational skills begin to emerge. As children grow older, specifically around 4 years, their capabilities in self-regulation refine and improve further, enabling them to handle more complex social interactions and emotional situations. However, that refined self-regulation is built upon the initial understanding that typically begins around the age of 2.