-
Trust v Mistrust (birth - 18 months)
This stage is when a baby learns if they can trust and be dependent apon others. The parent or caregiver must care for the child to earn their trust. If they do not care for the child, they might grow to have depression, anxiety, etc
My little brother depended apon my parents to take care of him anytime he cried. When he was hungry, my mom fed him so he learned that he could trust the people around him. -
Autonomy v Shame (2 - 3 years)
This stage is about the child learning to make their own decisions and starting to figure out what they can control around them. When encouraged, kids feel confident within themselves but when chastised they will feel doubt.
Luke, my brother, started tallking fairly early on so he was able to voice his wants by the time he was two. I remember he was comfortable enough to say he wanted a chocolate cake for his birthday. -
Initiative v Guilt (3 - 5 years)
In the 3rd stage, the child starts to explore their control over their life, whether it be in social interactions or in playtime. When successful in this stage, children tend to feel a sense of purpose but when discouraged they feel self-doubt and guilt.
When playing he would always tell, not ask, me to read a book to him or to play outside with him. He learned that he could control what we did when playing.