All youth need to develop a set of core life skills to manage school, work, outside interests, and social relationships successfully. From the perspective of brain development, these skills include planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility—also known as “executive function” and “self-regulation” skills.This guide for practitioners who work with adolescents explains the science behind the core life skills that youth need, what affects the development of these skills, how practitioners can help youth build these skills and deliver services in a way that reduces stress.
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Explore related resources about executive functioning adolescent development, and other topics in the online resource library for the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.