(IMAGE) University of Montreal Caption Higher cognitive skills are found in the children of mothers who are consistently able to support the development of their baby's sense of autonomy, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Montreal. The researchers specifically looked at executive functioning, which refers to a range of cognitive processes that are essential for cognitive, social and psychological functioning. Credit Credit: TheOtherNate. Licence: CC BY-NC 2.0 Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theothernate/12960667945 Usage Restrictions Respect conditions of licence. Licence: CC BY-NC 2.0 Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theothernate/12960667945 License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.