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Erikson's Stage 1 - Trust vs. Mistrust (A child that trusts the parent may develop security and trust. A child that does not trust the parent may become insecure and mistrustful)
I have always protected my daughter since day one. I was always there for her when she cried and “cradled” her, so to speak. I would never drop her off to someone that she did not know or trust and I would never leave her until I knew she was okay with that person. The opposite would be mistrust, dropping her off to someone she did not know and having a melt down without anyone there she trusted to console her. -
Erikson's Stage 2 - Autonomy Versus Shame (A child able to make decisions may have more confidence in themselves. A child unable to make decisions may be more rebellious, stubborn, and negative)
I told my daughter we were going to the mall. She did not like the outfit I had picked out, she had her own outfit in mind so I let her wear it. Although the outfit had many different conflicting colors and styles, I still brought her to the mall wearing what she wanted to wear. The opposite would include making her change her clothes and putting her down because she did not match and her probable unwillingness to change. This is an example of Erikson’s stage 2 – Autonomy vs. Shame. -
Erikson's Stage 3 - Initiative vs. Guilt (A child encouraged to use their imagination for free play has a better sense of fantasy and social skills. A child discouraged of using their imaginations are more underdeveloped in free play and social skills).
I have always tried to allow my daughter to “entertain herself” as most people say. I always thought of it as using her imagination. By the time she was in preschool, she was able to enjoy free play time, reading, and interaction with other children. I never made her feel guilty for using her imagination or talking to herself, barbies, or “friends.” For that reason, my daughter is not fearful or reliant on interaction with others. This is an example of Erikson’s 3rd stage – Initiative vs. Guilt. -
Erikson's Stage 4 - Industry vs. Inferiority (A child encouraged and praised for their grades will be more likely to follow structured rules, have good grades, and be full of initiative. Otherwise the child may feel shame and guilt and have bad grades)
I have always encouraged my daughter to her best in school and with chores. She has been accepted into the National Junior Honor Society this year because of all of her hard work in school. She began earning allowance because of her good work at home. I continue to praise her good work every day. This is allowing her to grow a positive self-concept, which is a sense of who she is.
