This presentation will discuss the importance of executive functions in regulating emotions and behavior. It will highlight how executive functions are essential skills that we use in our daily lives, but often take for granted. The development of executive functions from infancy to adulthood are explored with different skills peaking at various developmental stages. The course will emphasize that adverse environmental circumstances can hinder the growth of executive functions and addresses the challenges faced by children with delayed executive function skills, including social and academic difficulties. We will discuss promising interventions and programs aimed at fostering executive functions, such as computerized programs, classroom curricula, cognitive behavior training, and mindfulness practices. Registration requested.