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Birth -1 year

Feeding

First stage of Erikson's theory. Happens from birth and 1 year. This is the most fundamental stage in one’s life. Infants are dependent, developing trust based on the dependability and quality of the child's caregivers.

Hope

Trust built and the bond was created as she trusted me, her mother. Feeding times were the most important moments to build that trust for us. This allows her to come to me over anything and she is not scared of any reaction.

“During the first stage of psychosocial development, children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust.”

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2-3 years

Potting Training

The second stage of Erikson's theory. Happens during early childhood. During this stage it focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control.

Will

Autonomy, she found balances and was able to gain her independence. She did well through potty training, I allowed her to tell me when she was ready to potty train never forced. Allowed for less accidents and helped build her up. She completely trained by 3 1/2 years old.

“Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different than that of Freud's. Erikson believed that learning to control one's bodily functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence. Other important events include gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.’

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3-5 years

Exploration

The third stage of Erikson’s theory. Taking place during preschool years. In this point children begin to assert their power and control over the world. Doing so through direct play and other social interactions.

Purpose

Initiative: She is very well balanced. Able to play and works well with others, she loves to make people smile. Has confident in her goofiness because she knows who she is and explored that trait. She has a purpose knowing she is kind to everyone even our furry friends.

” When an ideal balance of individual initiative and a willingness to work with others is achieved, the ego quality known as purpose emerges.”

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6-11years

School

The fourth stage of Erickson’s theory. Takes place during the early school years. Through social interactions. Children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities to do things.

Confidence

Industry: Dakota gained lots of confidence this past year (sixth grade) with being able to be a cheerleader and run track. Sports has helped lot for her. It also allowed her to do more exploring on her personality.

“Successfully finding a balance at this stage of psychosocial development leads to the strength known as competence, in which children develop a belief in their abilities to handle the tasks set before them.”

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12- 18 years

Social Relationships

The fifth stage of Erickson’s theory. The turbulent teenage years. It plays an essential role in developing a sense of one’s identity. Continue to influence behavior and development for the remainder of life. Teens need to develop a sense of self-worth and personal identity. Success can lead to the ability to stay true to yourself.  Failure can cause confusion and a weak sense of self-worth.

Fidelity

Identity:  We are still finding our identity as Dakota just turned 12 in December. Being involved in sports, working hard to get good grades for college, and hanging with friends is what she is most concerned about at this moment.  We allow her to have a reasonable amount of independence to build on as she grows. And she has built trust between us. She knows to come to us if she needs help.

Telling her failure is not always bad, it is ok and never give up, keep trying. This helps her build her identity.

“According to Erikson, our ego identity constantly changes due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. As we have new experiences, we also take on challenges that can help or hinder the development of identity.”

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19-40 years

Relationships

The sixth stage in Erickson’s theory. Young adults need to have intimate, loving relationships with other people. This will help lead to strong relationships. Failure can result in loneliness and form isolation.

Love

Intimacy: As Dakota grows, I know she will have healthy relationships with the ones she loves, as she enters parenthood if she chooses so, I know she will be a great parent her love for children already shows now at 12. She is always playing with small children when she gets a chance to be around them. Her natural instincts kick in her kindness always shows through.

“Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are enduring and secure.”

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40-65 years

Work and Parenthood

Stage seventh in Erikson’s theory. Adults need to create or nurture children or pets. By having children/pets or creating a positive change that can benefit others. Success helps to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment. Failure can result in a shallow involvement with the world.

Care

“Care is the virtue achieved when this stage is handled successfully. Being proud of your accomplishments, watching your children grow into adults, and developing a sense of unity with your life partner are important accomplishments of this stage.”

Generativity: Dakota is already showing signs of how she will be as an adult, but whatever she chooses she will be a very caring adult.

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65-Death

Reflection on Life

The final stage in Eckerson’s theory. Old age becomes focused on reflecting on one’s life. People tend to look back on the events of their lives. Reflecting whether they were happy with the life that they lived/had. Did they regret the things they did or never got a chance to do?

Wisdom

“Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting death.

You are never too young to understand how short life is and to take advantage of every opportunity you have and never miss a moment in time. Dakota is showing this as she grows. She always knows that her time could be short she speaks about her time and her wishes. Wise beyond her years.