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The first stage of Erikson's development theory is one of the most important stages. During this first stage the baby is figuring out who they can and cannot trust. Their caregivers are in their most vital stage with their baby. As this stage is happening it normally ranges from birth to about 18 months old. As I talked with my parents they informed me I never met a stranger. Both my mom and dad said I loved going from person to person as long as I could be around someone. When I was by myself (besides sleeping) I would venture off to find someone. After a long day being in my parents arms really calmed me down and I would shortly fall asleep.

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The second stage is a stepping stone for Erikson's theory. During this second stage the child is figuring out how to do things like walking, sitting, potty training, and other physical skills. If they are not taught correctly the child could fall behind. This normally happens in the time frame of 18 months to 3 years old. When I mentioned this stage to my parents they chuckled. My mother told me because I had an older sibling and two other siblings before I was two this stage happened rather quick for me. By a year old I was walking, I was potty trained, and could follow directions. My regulation was extremely ahead of where I should have been.

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As the child progresses they move into stage 3. During this stage the child starts to become more independent. Normally this is happening around 3 to 6 years old. While this is happening they start to initiate more during dramatic play or other social activities. This is also the stage when parents will start punishing their child to help them follow rules by installing guilt in their child. According to my mom during this stage I was rather independent. I knew what I wanted and tried to make my siblings follow my rules. I loved to play school and be the teacher or play house and I was the mom. Although I was always the one in charge, when I would become too bossy my mom mentioned I was placed in timeout to help cool down. This helped regulate who the real boss was.

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As the child becomes older, normally around 6 to 12 years of age, they become more applicable to society. They are going to school, meeting new people, and figuring out the chain of command as they are adventuring into the world. As I have mentioned before I had an older and younger siblings. according to my mom I was use to new people coming in and out of our house, and figuring out chain of command was never an issue because I loved to learn. I was ready to go to school like my big sister and wanted to tell my parents everything I learned. This also included all the new friends I played with at recess and the new friends I sat by in my class room. As I grew into double digits (10) I was able to know exactly what I wanted and what was expected of me in society.

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Once they child has entered what society looks like they then enter the "who am I" stage. This is stage 5 of Erikson's theory. During this stage the child is trying to figure out who they are and what role they have in this world. During 12 to 18 years old, their school will start, as well as family members, to ask questions about their dream job. As well as what do you want to go to college for or what do you want to do with your life. My parents informed me that as a young girl I always wanted to be a teacher. Yet as I started this stage of development my ideas changed. I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people. While I helped them I would also teach them things. My father told me it was crazy how this little girl had all these aspirations and was actually doing them with no one helping. You would teach your friends songs, how to ride a bike, and yet when they would get hurt you were the first one to help them when they were bleeding or anything like that.

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As the now young adult moves on through the stages they meet stage 6. This stage happens during the ages of 18 to 40 years old. While in this stage they are figuring out loving relationships and how to balance their life. For me, since I am only 20, this stage is still happening. I have been through an enormous amount of conflict with relationships. I am also trying to figure out the balance of relationships with friends as well as serious relationships with a significant other. I have found that with the people who support you in your life are the most crucial tool to help you succeed during this stage. I have been through things my parents have never gone through but with their help we were all able to navigate through those conflicts. Although, I am in the beginning of this stage, I know that I can go through anything as long as I reach out for help.

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During this stage the adult is now 40 to 65 years of age. These adults are figuring out how to support, love, guide, parent, and support the community. Since I am only 20 this stage has not happened. Yet, I do have two parents and grandparents who I adore. They have taught me that life is a balance. During this stage I hope to maintain the balance like they do. My parents make sure they give everything they have to love, guide and support me and my siblings, all while owning a business that brings people into the community!

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The final stage of Erikson's development theory is Ego Integrity vs. Despair. This happens from age 65 to death. During this stage adults are developing integrity about the accomplishments they have made throughout their life. This stage is based off of enjoyment and fulfillment. As a person who is two stages away from the final stage, I can not wait for this one!! My grandparents are enjoying their accomplishments, spending time with family, and doing everything they love every day. When I get to this stage I believe that I will be able to look back on my life and share stories like my grandparents do to light up my grandchildren eyes and help them accomplish life's greatest adventures.