What happens inside a child's brain when they're told not to touch something… and immediately reach for it anyway?
In this episode we sit down with developmental neuroscientist Dr. Abigail Fiske from Lancaster University to explore how self-control develops in infancy and early childhood.
Dr. Fisk studies executive functions, which are the mental skills that help us focus, regulate behaviour, and resist impulses. Using child friendly brain-imaging technology (FNIRS) and longitudinal research, she follows children from infancy through early childhood to understand how these critical abilities emerge and develop.
We discuss:
Why toddlers struggle with self-control
What executive functions actually are
How inhibitory control develops in the brain
Measuring brain activity in babies using non-invasive neuroimaging
The role of the prefrontal cortex in early development
Lessons from the classroom that inspired Dr. Fisk's research career
Why the first five years of life are so important
Early intervention, education, and the future of child development research
Whether you're a parent, educator, psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about how the brain develops, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the science behind self-control and learning.
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