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In Erickson's first stage of Development Trust vs Mistrust, this covers the ages of birth to 18 months.  This is the critical developmental stage of a child's life as it forms the foundation of how they perceive others. To build trust is to attend to every need of the baby. They are reliant on the parents to do everything for them. To burp them, to feed them, to keep them alive. This can cause easier relationships to be formed later on in life. If the child has a lot of mistrust and unattentively parents they will have issues developing relationships and friendships in the future.

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In speaking with my mother on how she communicated with me during these critical years in life, she explained that when I would cry she would attend to me whether it was due to a diaper change, feeding, burping, clothing change, or just I was awake and needed to move around.  This taught me to trust and rely that an adult/caregiver would provide these basic needs. I was very trusting in the adults around me.

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"Children love and want to be loved and they very much prefer the joy of accomplishment to the triumph of hateful failure." Erik Erickson

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This stage in Erikson's Theory children develop the sense of wanting to be independent. They want to make their own choices, such as picking out what they want to eat or want to wear, or play with. A child in this stage will start to discover their abilities. It is very important in this stage for parents to be supportive, reassuring, and have faith in their child's ability. It teaches them tp be confident and independent.

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I was always a very independent child and always knew exactly what I wanted. My mom was very accommodating and let me choose what ever I wanted clothes, toys, food, places, and shows I wanted to watch. It definitely helped me to become even more independent as and adult.

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"Autonomy is destiny" Sigmund Freud

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This stage of Erikson's Theory occurs during the preschool years so 3-5 years old. During this stage children start to develop their power and control "over the world" through social interactions and play. Showing which kids have initiative and which kids don't. For example a kid with initiative will be the leader and the kid that tells the others how to play a game. Guilt is the shame over failing to do something, feeling embarrassed over attempting a task.

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I always compared myself to others as being inferior I was always taller, bigger, not the smartest. I undermined everything I did. It held me back socially and academically even at this age. I was never confident and embarrassed in my abilities/skills.

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"Preschool children can do-and want to do more and more. At the same time they are learning that some of the things they want to do meet social approval, whereas others do not" Erikson, E. H. (1950). The life cycle completed. New York: Norton.

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This stage in Erikson's theory teachers and adults at school play a big part in children developing confidence with their accomplishments. This is when children start to become feeling positive in their abilities. If it is not encouraged and they have no confidence they will start to feel inferior and doubting their abilities.

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As a child I lacked confidence and compared myself to others as being inferior. I was always taller, bigger, felt not very smart. I undermined everything I did. It held me back socially by drawing me towards not the best friend groups, making bad decisions, and not being nice to my peers, sometimes even teachers. I realize now that it was wrong and I try to be the best person I can be. It also held me back academically, I was never the best at school. I never had the best grades and when I would get a good grade on something it would be surprising to me. I was never confident in my abilities at school. School work was always very hard for me. I have changed my way of thinking and feel much better about myself and my abilities.

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"A major determinate of self-esteem is children's view of their capacity for productive work" Erikson, E. H., & Erikson, J. M. (1998). The life cycle completed (extended version). New York: Norton.

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This stage in Erikson's children explore their sense of self. Children that are shown encouragement will most likely have a strong sense of self. Children who are unsure of their wants and beliefs feel anxious about themselves and their future.

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I have always told my family "when I grow up I want to help people and children" I am now currently going to school for a teaching degree in accessible (special) Education. I knew who I wanted to be when I got older. I knew my Identity and what kind of person I wanted to be in the future, and I made it happen. I am exactly where my past self would want me to be.

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"The Chief task of adolescents is to confront the crisis of identity versus identity confusion in order to become a  unique adults with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society."   Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton.

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This stage in Erikson's theory children/young adults begin to mature into adulthood they start to explore intimately with other people. They seek relationships and long term commitment with people other then family members. When children/adults fear relationships and commitment, or avoid intimacy they suffer from isolation.

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This is the stage I am currently in, in my life. I am a very isolated person. I have very few friends and I am constantly working. If I am not working I am at home. I dislike going out and get super anxious if I have too. I have realized this about myself, from learning about Erikson's theory. I have already started making changes to try and not be as isolated as I have been in the past.

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"Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption" Table 1.3 Developmental Stages According to Freud, Erikson, and Piaget

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This stage in Erikson's Theory adults being to establish their careers and start building a family of their own. They start raising children, working, and being an asset in the community and organizations. If we don't achieve this part in life a person can feel lifeless, and useless.

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I have not made it to this stage yet but, I feel like I will make my mark on this world. I have always been a very caring and loving person. I want to be a part or a member on the Autism Awareness Council for what ever city or town I end up in. I want to be an advocate for people and children around me who don't understand or just can't advocate for themselves.

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"Mature adults are concerned about establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels impoverishment" Table 1.3 Developmental Stages According to Freud, Erikson, and Piaget

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This stage in Erikson's theory is the last and final stage in life. Adults have grown older and become senior citizens. Adults aren't as proactive as they once were and most retire. During this time we start to think back on all of our accomplishments, see ourselves leading successful lives. When an adult has despair they have lots of regret and often are very depressed and anxious about death due to not living the life they wanted or desired.

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At this stage in my life I hope to have integrity. I don't want to have any regrets to look back on. I think everyone hopes they feel at peace before they pass. I also know that people make a lot of mistakes in life that they regret, I hope I an fully at peace around the time of retirement or death.

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"Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death or else despairs over inability to relive life" Table 1.3 Developmental Stages According to Freud, Erikson, and Piaget