This study investigates the role of emotion regulation skills in children's early academic success, using a sample of 325 five-year-old children. The research examines whether better emotion regulation skills predict higher academic success and productivity in kindergarten, as well as standardized scores in early literacy and math. The study also explores the potential mediators of this relationship, such as behavior problems and the quality of the student-teacher relationship. Results indicate that emotion regulation is positively associated with academic success and productivity, as well as standardized achievement scores. However, behavior problems and the quality of the student-teacher relationship did not mediate these relationships. Instead, emotion regulation and the quality of the student-teacher relationship uniquely predict academic outcomes, even after controlling for IQ. The findings suggest that emotion regulation facilitates the development of a positive student-teacher relationship and cognitive processing, which are crucial for academic motivation and success.This study investigates the role of emotion regulation skills in children's early academic success, using a sample of 325 five-year-old children. The research examines whether better emotion regulation skills predict higher academic success and productivity in kindergarten, as well as standardized scores in early literacy and math. The study also explores the potential mediators of this relationship, such as behavior problems and the quality of the student-teacher relationship. Results indicate that emotion regulation is positively associated with academic success and productivity, as well as standardized achievement scores. However, behavior problems and the quality of the student-teacher relationship did not mediate these relationships. Instead, emotion regulation and the quality of the student-teacher relationship uniquely predict academic outcomes, even after controlling for IQ. The findings suggest that emotion regulation facilitates the development of a positive student-teacher relationship and cognitive processing, which are crucial for academic motivation and success.