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Two-year-old Henry sits intently in front of an iPad, tapping on a smiling face that turns into a dancing cartoon. This may seem like a simple game, but it’s part of an important scientific study on how toddlers develop mental control. Wires are attached to a special cap on his head, linking to a machine that monitors his brain activity as he plays. Researchers at the University of Bristol are studying how children learn to control their impulses, make decisions, and focus. The study tracks children from six months to five years old, aiming to uncover when these essential skills begin to emerge.

The Importance of Early Mental Control

Researchers are focused on understanding the developmental stages of self-regulation, a key ability for learning and social behavior. The exact age at which children gain these skills remains unclear. To answer this, scientists are tracking hundreds of children and observing how they develop the mental tools needed for focus, learning, and adaptability. By understanding the progression of these abilities, researchers hope to identify the best times for early interventions, potentially improving outcomes for children who struggle later in life.

A Unique Long-Term Study

One of the remarkable aspects of this project is its continuity. Around 300 of the children currently under observation have mothers who participated in an earlier study, which began in the 1990s. This earlier study tracked the health, development, and family dynamics of thousands of children. This long-term data provides an exceptional foundation for understanding how childhood development connects to genetic, emotional, and environmental factors. Dr. Karla Holmboe, the lead scientist, calls it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to explore the connections between early development and lifelong outcomes.

Dr. Holmboe explains that understanding when and how core skills develop can help identify the best moments for intervention. Early support is especially crucial for children who face challenges when starting school, as early struggles can often lead to long-term difficulties. “The earlier we intervene, the more impact we can have,” says Dr. Holmboe.

Play-Based Learning and Brain Research

The research uses playful experiments to engage young children and gather data about their cognitive growth. At the University of Bristol’s lab, children participate in games designed by psychologists. Some children also undergo brain scans at six months, three years, and five years, allowing scientists to track changes in their brain activity over time.

One task involves a smiling face on an iPad that initially appears on the right side of the screen. After the child becomes accustomed to this, the face switches to the left. Researchers want to see if the child adjusts to the change or continues to tap the right side. “We’re testing if Henry can break the habit and look for the new spot,” says research assistant Carmel Brough. Dr. Holmboe explains that these types of exercises help children develop the ability to shift focus, which is important for staying attentive in classrooms and adjusting to new information.

Another task involves a memory game with hidden stickers. In this game, children like two-year-old Jackson must remember where the stickers are hidden. If they succeed, they are rewarded with the stickers. This task tests working memory—the ability to hold and manipulate information to solve problems or complete tasks. “Working memory is crucial for skills like reading, math, and decision-making,” says Dr. Holmboe. The study also looks at language development, examining how children learn new words and concepts over time.

A Legacy of Insight

The study at the University of Bristol is part of a broader long-term research effort that started over 30 years ago. The original study, which tracked over 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992, revealed key insights into child development, including the effects of nutrition, family dynamics, and environmental factors. Researchers have used this data to explore issues like the impact of diet on health and the mental wellbeing of children.

For instance, one study found that fussy eating, though stressful for parents, does not typically result in long-term problems. Another study revealed that one in five young people show signs of fatty liver disease, mainly due to poor diets and alcohol consumption. These findings led to the development of prevention strategies aimed at improving nutrition and lifestyle choices. More recently, research has shown that children who rarely eat oily fish tend to have lower social and emotional skills, further emphasizing the importance of nutrition in early childhood.

Tracking the Children of the Original Participants

Today, the focus is on the children of those original participants. These children are now being tracked to better understand how early brain development connects to family history and long-term patterns of health and behavior. Henry’s mother, Emily, was part of the original study as a baby. Now, she watches her son play games and solve puzzles, contributing to this next phase of research. “I’ve been part of this since birth,” Emily says. “It’s fascinating to see how this study evolves.”

Dr. Holmboe hopes that this research will ultimately help children by providing support at the right time. “By the time children start school, many of their foundational skills are already set,” she explains. “Our goal is to lay the groundwork early, when change matters most.”

As the children finish their activities and remove their sensor caps, Emily prepares to leave the lab. “My sons enjoy every visit,” she says. “They love the toys, the snacks, and the attention. I’ll keep bringing them as long as they’re happy. It’s important to help future generations by being part of something this meaningful.”