Do Older Parents have More Self-Regulated Children?

Strong self-regulation in early childhood is a key predictor of academic and social success from elementary school through college (McClelland et al., 2012). This study analyzed the influence of the age of the child’s parent on the child’s self-regulation as measured by the HTKS (Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders) measure. Relations between children’s self-regulation scores and their parent’s age were initially examined and then were tested again after controlling for family income and child age. Higher child self-regulation was significantly related to having older parents. However, this correlation lost significance after family income (Head Start status) and child age were controlled. These results suggest that although parent age and child self-regulation are significantly related, family income and child age are stronger predictors of children’s self-regulation