In the context of child development, what does self-regulation refer to?

Self-regulation in child development is primarily defined as a child's ability to manage emotions and impulses effectively. This concept encompasses how children control their emotional responses, behavior, and attention. A child demonstrating self-regulation can calm themselves when upset, wait for their turn, and express their feelings in a socially acceptable manner. This skill is crucial for social interactions and academic success, as it enables children to navigate complex emotional and social landscapes.

While the other choices touch on aspects of development, they do not encapsulate the full scope of self-regulation. Following directions pertains to compliance and understanding tasks, learning new information relates to cognitive development, and dependence on adults revolves around the need for external support rather than internal control. Self-regulation, therefore, is about internal management of feelings and behaviors, making option B the most accurate representation of the concept in question.