Social scientists say three things matter for success in life: IQ, family’s socioeconomic status and self-control. While IQ and socioeconomic status are tougher to change, self-control can be taught – and the earlier the better. Children who have greater self-control as preschoolers grow up to be healthier, have higher SAT scores, and get better jobs. Researchers define self-control as having qualities such as conscientiousness, self-discipline, perseverance, and being able to consider the consequences of actions when making decisions. Makes sense, right? If you want a big career, you have to work long and hard (and sacrifice some pleasure!) to get it. But how do we instill self-control in our kids? Join us as we talk to psychologist Mary Alvord, whose book, Resilience Builder Program for Children and Adolescents, teaches self-control strategies for children – and it all begins by teaching kids to pick up their blocks when they’re young!

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