Childhood Self-Control Linked to Future Job Success

According to a recent study published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Sciences (APS), “children with high self-control — who are typically better able to pay attention, persist with difficult tasks, and suppress inappropriate or impulsive behaviors — are much more likely to find and retain employment as adults.” Learning such executive function skills early in life builds a foundation for future success.

The APS study found adults who properly developed self-control early in childhood spent almost half as much time unemployed than those whose self-control was underdeveloped. This is a significant number to consider when one’s livelihood is on the line. Furthermore, those lacking in self-control who lost their jobs had a difficult time finding new jobs. APS says this could be due to a number of factors such as “a heightened vulnerability to stress due to unemployment, the adverse effect of prolonged career interruptions on skill development and a greater likelihood of falling into habits which hinder their chances of regaining employment.”

The evidence is clear, but how can we help children develop self-control early in life? APS suggests school programs, as well as mindfulness exercises such as yoga or walking meditation. We can promote self-control practices by teaching children the tools they need to make responsible decisions and manage their emotions. Self-control is apparent in children who stop to think before they act or take a deep breath before expressing an emotion. Small gestures can go a long way in helping children establish healthy and confident behaviors.

Children who develop these social emotional skill sets and who develop an eager readiness to learn are better prepared for success in school and beyond. Self-awareness and self-control help facilitate in children a desire to make school a priority, and that attitude extends to employment when they grow into adulthood. It is crucial for children to learn these skills to prepare them for both short term and long term success.

Early grade school is an effective age to begin implementing self-control practices, according to APS, so it is never too early to begin teaching children how to incorporate these practices into their daily lives. Early implementation also equips children with the tools they need for ongoing development as they continue to meet the challenges they will face as they grow older. Children who get a head start on these essential life skills are more likely to secure for themselves steady employment and therefore a flourishing future.