Final answer:
Self-regulation starts to emerge in toddlers around the age of 2 years when they begin to explore and exert control over their actions, and it is further developed during the preschool stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Self-Regulation in Children
Self-regulation, which is also referred to as self-control, can be observed in children at various stages of development. Self-regulation begins to emerge as toddlers, generally around the ages of 1 to 3 years, start to explore their environment and exert control over their actions. This developmental milestone is apparent when a 2-year-old child begins to show preferences and makes decisions such as choosing their own clothes, indicating a burgeoning sense of autonomy and independence.
As children reach the preschool age of 3 to 6 years, they demonstrate further capacities for initiating activities and asserting control through play and social interactions. This reflects the developmental task of initiative versus guilt, an Eriksonian challenge that when successfully navigated, leads to self-confidence and a sense of purpose. The famous marshmallow study by Mischel also illustrates the differences in self-control among preschoolers, correlating higher levels of self-regulation with success in later life stages such as high school.
Therefore, we can start to observe self-regulation in children around the age of 2 years, as they begin to assert their independence and engage in more complex social behaviors. The preschool years are particularly critical in the development of self-control as children learn to navigate interactions with others and better manage their desires and impulses.