1. INFANCY: BIRTH-18 MONTHS OLD
Basic Trust vs. Mistrust – Hope
During the first or second year of life, the major emphasis is on the mother and father’s ability to take care of the child especially on visual contact and touch. The child will develop trust, confidence, and security if the child is properly cared for. If a child does not experience trust, he or she may develop insecurity, worthlessness, and mistrust the world.

2. TODDLER / EARLY CHILDHOOD YEARS: 18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS
Autonomy vs. Shame – Will
During this stage the child had the opportunity to build self-esteem .The child also learns right from wrong and other new skills. The child should carry there self with pride rather than shame. During the terrible 2's, defiance, temper tantrums , and stubbornness can occur, this is because they are vulnerable during this stage and may feel shamed and have low-self stem during an inability to learn new skills.

 3 TO 5 YEARS
Initiative vs. Guilt – Purpose
During this period we experience a desire to copy the adults around us . We make up stories with Barbie’s and Ken’s, toy phones experimenting with what we believe it means to be an adult. We also begin to use the word why.
Erickson said that at this stage we usually become involved in the classic “Oedipal struggle” and resolve this struggle through “social role identification.” If we’re frustrated over natural desires and goals, we may easily experience guilt.
The most significant relationship is with the basic family.

4. SCHOOL AGE CHILD: 6 TO 12 YEARS
Industry vs. Inferiority – Competence
During this stage, we are capable of learning, creating and accomplishing alot of new skills and knowledge developing a sense of industry. This is also a very social stage of development and if we experience unresolved feelings of inadequacy and inferiority among our peers, we can have serious f competence and self-esteem issues.
Our most significant relationship is with the school and neighborhood. Parents are no longer the complete authorities they once were, although they are still important.