Self-regulationHow children monitor their emotions and thoughts, and adapt their behaviour in different circumstances. helps children to:

• monitor their thoughts, emotions and actions
• manage their emotions
• choose how to adapt their thoughts and actions in different circumstances.

It is closely related to executive functionCognitive skills that enable children to adapt their thinking and actions to achieve a goal. This might be a self-chosen goal (e.g. To build a tower) or set by an adult (e.g. to respond to a question about a story)., which supports children’s:

• attention
• memory
• flexible thinking.

They play an important role in children’s wellbeing and learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. To find out more, visit the Self-regulation and executive function theme.