What does self-control refer to in children?

Self-control in children refers to the ability to manage their impulses and regulate their behavior. This includes how they react to their feelings, desires, and the environment around them. When a child exercises self-control, they can pause and think before acting, which is crucial for appropriate social interactions and learning settings.

For example, a child who demonstrates self-control might choose to wait their turn during play rather than interrupting, or resist the urge to grab a toy immediately even though they want it. This skill is fundamental to emotional development and helps in fostering patience, understanding rules, and being considerate of others.

The other options describe different aspects of behavior or emotional responses. Following all instructions without question is more about compliance, and while it may sometimes reflect self-control, it doesn't encompass the full range of impulse management. You're also looking at emotional outbursts, which directly contradict the principle of self-control and sharing with peers, which, while an important social skill, is not solely indicative of self-control as it doesn't inherently involve the regulation of impulses.