6歳から12歳は、子供の脳の発達において重要な時期であり、特に前頭前皮質（PFC）の発達が顕著です。PFCは、人間にとって高度な認知機能や意思決定に関わる重要な脳領域であり、この年齢帯で急速な成長を遂げます。
- 学習能力の向上: 集中力や記憶力、問題解決能力が向上することで、学習意欲が高まり、学力も向上します。
- 人間関係の改善: 自分の感情をコントロールし、他人の気持ちを理解することができるようになることで、友達との良好な関係を築きやすくなります。
- 問題行動の減少: 衝動的な行動を抑制することができるようになることで、問題行動が減少します。
Prefrontal Cortex Development:
- Rapid growth: Between ages 6 and 12, the PFC undergoes a "growth spurt," with connections between neurons increasing drastically. This enhances its ability to process information, plan, and regulate impulses.
- Key functions: The PFC plays a crucial role in:
- Executive function: Managing tasks, planning, organizing, and prioritizing.
- Emotional regulation: Controlling emotions, delaying gratification, and managing stress.
- Decision-making: Weighing options, considering consequences, and making responsible choices.
Impact on Self-Control:
- Increased ability to delay gratification: Children become better at waiting for desired rewards, demonstrating improved impulse control.
- Developing emotional regulation: They learn to manage anger, frustration, and excitement more effectively, leading to fewer emotional outbursts.
- Improved rule-following: They understand rules better and show greater ability to conform to them, both at home and school.
- Emerging problem-solving: They begin to approach challenges logically and systematically, instead of relying solely on emotions.
- Enhanced decision-making: They start to consider consequences before acting, demonstrating more responsibility and foresight.