A lack of self-control during childhood can lead to emotional, social and academic deficits later in life.

The important role of parents and teachers as well as peer relations and play have an impact on a child’s self-control.

Self-control is important to a thriving childhood.  SmartGamesAndToys mentions self-control in ages 0-3/developmental toys and offers a link to a fantastic podcast about self-control.
A famous study by researcher Michael Mischel found that greater self-control demonstrated in children led to their advanced success and well bell being later in life.  Whereas the children who lacked self-control were more prove to depression, drugs and alcohol.  This famous study was done with children and marshmallows.  Each child was put in a room and given a marshmallow.  The child could eat the marshmallow right away or they could wait until the adult came back in the room.  If they waited they would be rewarded with another marshmallow.  The researchers followed up the study with the same individuals in their adult life.  The one-third group that opted for the marshmallow right away earned lower SAT scores, were indecisive, less confident, and stubborn; consequently they had less stable marriages, lower incomes and poorer health.  In contrast to the children who waited for two marshmallows; they were more positive, self-motivated and persistent in pursuit of their goals.

Help your child develop the self-control they need to be happier children and more successful adults.  Help them to understand following rules by saying they can play with their toys after they clean their room.  Or they can eat dessert after they eat their vegetables.  This will help them to accept delayed gratification without getting aggressive or frustrated.  Other examples of practicing self-control are sharing building blocks with other children.  Or working longer on their homework in order to later receive a reward.