# data[].attributes.headline
Psychosocial Theory, as Described by Erik Erikson

# data[].attributes.subject
Psychosocial Theory, as Described by Erik Erikson

# data[].attributes.body
His Theories on the Stages of Aging

# data[].attributes.body
During this crucial phase of development, a baby learns whether or not their caregiver can be depended upon to meet the child's needs. Ideally, the caregiver is responsive to their child's needs, creating a trusting bond and sense of security in the child. When the child cries, a responsive caregiver will try to solve the problem, even though that may require several different actions being tried.

When my children were babies, I remember trying to solve the riddle of why they were crying to help them through. The checklist often looked something like: Is their diaper clean and fresh? How long has it been since their last feeding? Is the temperature of the room comfortable and compatible with what they are wearing? Do they just crave closeness? Are they possibly unwell? I remember many fussy nights with my son. I may never know why he was so fussy, but I'll always remember swaying with his as we watched the fish tank. I don't know if it was the swaying motion, my voice, the fish tank, or the combination, but we got through the rough nights, and we seem to have a good bond. When he's having a rough day, he knows that he can come to me.

# data[].attributes.body
During the toddler years, children are learning that they can do some tasks themselves. It can be a fun, messy, and exciting time! It is an important time for a caregiver to remind themselves that the messes will only last a little while. While going through this developmental phase, a child will either learn that they are capable of doing things for themselves, or if the caregiver is negative about it, they might feel shame that could result in a poor self image.

When my children were toddlers, I allowed them to make choices about what they would wear, as long as those choices were safe options. For example, I wouldn't have agreed to shorts in a blizzard. We may have gotten strange looks from a few people on certain days that they dressed themselves(and to be quite honest, my son still makes some interesting fashion choices), but they were able to feel successful and develop their sense of autonomy.

# data[].attributes.body
During this developmental phase, preschool age children are learning to work together with their peers to reach goals. It would be best for caregivers to stand back and let their children take the lead. The ability to show initiative is a lifelong skill, and attempting to take that leadership in play from the child can result in a sense of guilt for the child. Children need to feel a sense of responsibility so that they can celebrate success in a goal.

There have been many times at the playground when other parents were trying to help their kids "do it better" when they were playing. I'm willing to help my kids with complex tasks if they ask for it, but otherwise, I try to let them do their thing. I just figured it was helping them with their motor skills and wasn't really aware of Erikson's Theory of Initiative vs. Guilt.

# data[].attributes.body
During this phase of life, children really begin looking at how they compare to their classmates. They may become more competitive and have a sense of pride in doing things well. If they aren't doing as well as peers, they may begin to see themselves in a negative light and feel inferior. This is a very damaging setback that can lead to further feelings of incompetence into their adolescence and adulthood.

My son is currently in this age group, and my daughter has moved on to the next phase, but with each, I told them that all they can do is their best. Obviously, being the best is exciting, but the best anyone needs to be is better than their own past. It was certainly a tough phase to get a preteen girl through, and I feel like there are special challenges in getting an autistic boy through this phase as well. He is the best in his class at math, but some of his other skills are a little less dazzling. For example, he does not do as well in gym class as the other boys. Currently, that doesn't bother him, and hopefully he will continue to not be too hard on himself.

# data[].attributes.body
Adolescents have an important job of figuring out who they are. They often try out many identities and aesthetics to figure out which one correctly represents them. Ideally, they will successfully figure out the right fit for themselves during this time to avoid role confusion and a struggle to know who they are in adulthood.

My daughter is currently in this phase. It can be difficult, especially with social media telling kids what they should do or look like. My kids aren't on social media since I feel that it has more negativity than they need, but it still influences the people around them. My daughter hasn't shown an interest in doing anything too rebellious yet, though she has tried different colored hair and has now chosen to keep her hair very short. My mother asks me when she will grow her beautiful hair back out. My only response is that she can do as she likes with her hair. I reassure my daughter that she's beautiful no matter what style she chooses. I remember my parents not wanting me to express myself, and I don't want to be that mom! Much like in the Autonomy vs. Shame Stage, the messes will only last a little while.

# data[].attributes.body
Once a person has figured out who they are, it is natural to want to share their life with someone else. An intimate relationship is sought after, and success in finding that is very fulfilling. On the flip side of that, not finding a partner to share life experiences with can lead to a sense of loneliness or isolation. These problems are more common in those who did not develop a positive sense of who they are in the previous developmental phase.

All of the previous developmental stages so far have led to this one. People enjoy having someone to share life events with. Once we grow up and move away from our parents, we are able to choose the next person who shares our life with us. A supportive partner can help a person through the hard times, share joy in the good times, and maybe even start the cycle again with children of their own.

# data[].attributes.body
Generativity is a fancy way of saying that a person has found a sense of usefulness. This is the ideal outcome of middle adulthood. Being productive and feeling like a productive member of society is an important step in human development. If one does not achieve this goal, they experience stagnation. They may feel like they haven't achieved any meaningful work to leave behind and not feel a connection with others.

The only person in my home in this phase of life is my husband. He has just turned 40, and he seems to feel good about what he's doing in life. He has solid employment and looks forward to retiring, although it does seem like a distant goal. He has a family and has built a comfortable and safe life with me and our children.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a period of reflection during late adulthood. People in this phase of life think back over the years on how they have spent their lives. They reflect on whether they feel like they have been successful and done the things in life they had hoped to do or if they feel like they didn't leave any sort of legacy. Hopefully, they are on the integrity side of things with many memories of accomplishments, but if they do feel that sense of an incomplete life, they are usually sad and full of despair for all of the unfulfilled possibilities.

Nobody in my home is currently in this developmental stage, but I like to think that we will all fall under the integrity category when we do arrive at this point. We are all working toward our own individual goals, as well as family goals. For myself, I hope to be retired by this point with my grown children still visiting often and maybe even bringing grandchildren around.