The capacity for self-control and to reflect on one’s actions are at the root of a mature temperament. These capacities are at the forefront of the developmental agenda and are often referred to in the literature as 

self-regulation and executive functioning. The focus of the presentation will be on understanding the integrative process, how it unfolds in a child, and culminates in the capacity for increasing self-control and social responsibility. The cultivation of a mature temperament is critical in helping our children reach their full human potential and adults play a key role in creating the conditions for growth. Through the lens of developmental science we will examine how nature provided an organic solution to growing children out of immaturity and into socially responsible and caring adults.