This study examined the development of self-regulation in 108 children from 14 to 45 months of age. It focused on two forms of compliance: committed compliance (eagerly following maternal requests) and situational compliance (cooperating without genuine commitment). Compliance was observed in "Do" contexts (sustaining unpleasant tasks) and "Don't" contexts (suppressing pleasant behaviors). Girls showed higher committed compliance than boys. Both forms of compliance were stable within contexts but not across them. Fearfulness and effortful control correlated with committed compliance, especially in "Don't" contexts. Committed compliance was linked to internalization of maternal rules, observed when children were alone. These links were context-specific and significant even after controlling for maternal power. Committed compliance generalized to interactions with other adults. The study found that "Don't" contexts were more challenging than "Do" contexts for children. Committed compliance increased over time, while situational compliance showed less development. Internalization was more pronounced in "Don't" contexts. Maternal power assertion was associated with lower compliance and internalization. The study highlights the importance of context in self-regulation and internalization, and the role of temperament in compliance. The findings suggest that children's ability to regulate behavior and internalize rules develops gradually, influenced by both internal and external factors.This study examined the development of self-regulation in 108 children from 14 to 45 months of age. It focused on two forms of compliance: committed compliance (eagerly following maternal requests) and situational compliance (cooperating without genuine commitment). Compliance was observed in "Do" contexts (sustaining unpleasant tasks) and "Don't" contexts (suppressing pleasant behaviors). Girls showed higher committed compliance than boys. Both forms of compliance were stable within contexts but not across them. Fearfulness and effortful control correlated with committed compliance, especially in "Don't" contexts. Committed compliance was linked to internalization of maternal rules, observed when children were alone. These links were context-specific and significant even after controlling for maternal power. Committed compliance generalized to interactions with other adults. The study found that "Don't" contexts were more challenging than "Do" contexts for children. Committed compliance increased over time, while situational compliance showed less development. Internalization was more pronounced in "Don't" contexts. Maternal power assertion was associated with lower compliance and internalization. The study highlights the importance of context in self-regulation and internalization, and the role of temperament in compliance. The findings suggest that children's ability to regulate behavior and internalize rules develops gradually, influenced by both internal and external factors.