Abstract: Self-control in children refers to their ability to suppress a dominant response and perform a subdominant response. This article reviewed some major developments and findings on this topic recently, including the debate on its definition, the cognitive basis and manifestations of its early genesis, the stability and gender differences, its relations to attention and language, and the effects of parenting on its development. A prediction of the future trends in this field is also suggested.

Key words: self-control, compliance, delay of gratification.