^{The first stage in Erikson's Theory of Development is trust vs mistrust. During this stage, the infant doesn't know about their world, so they lean on their primary caregiver for their care.
For example, when I was an infant, I depended on my mom to feed, change, soothe, bathe, and put me to sleep. My biological father was not around much so I had trust in my mom but mistrust in most men and would cry if they tried to hold me. I wasn't able to be consoled by anyone but my mom.}

^{In this stage, you will learn a sense of control and independence. On the more positive Autonomy side, potty training may be a product of this stage, as well as exploring their limits, taking over control of their choices, becoming assertive and increasingly mobile. On the Shame and Doubt side, we see children who are controlled, criticized, overly dependent on their caregivers, not allowed to assert themselves, have feelings of inadequacy, and lack self-esteem.
An example of this would be when I learned to use the bathroom on my own, and I felt accomplished, and that started my independence.}

^{This is the stage where the child will begin to assert themselves, have more social interactions, and do more direct play. Many will view this behavior as aggressive or assertive. However, the child is learning and exploring their interpersonal skills and developing initiative. If the child is being constantly criticized or made to feel like a bother, they will develop a sense of guilt and self-doubt.}

^{An example of this stage would be when I would always ask "why" to everything my mom said. Also, I was very persistent in wanting to help my mom with everything like cleaning and cooking. She always encouraged me to help, so I never developed a sense of guilt or self-doubt.}

^{In this stage, the child starts to feel confident in their ability to achieve goals. But the child can also feel a lack of confidence. This happens when a child is not properly prepared for school life or their teachers and peers destroy their confidence with negative comments and acts.
An example of this stage in my life would be when I tried out for the cheerleading squad. I was scared and nervous that I would not make the team because I wasn't good enough, but I faced my fears, and I decided to try out anyway. Not only did I make the team that year, but we were also invited as a team to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I felt accomplished and learned to believe in myself.}

^{Oh the scary, daunting and formative teen years! Children are exposed to new opportunities, changes, experiences, friends, and groups as they begin to search for their personal identities and try to find who they really are. The inability to create a sense of identity within their community or peers can result in an identity crisis, confusion, insecurity, unsureness, and a poor sense of self. Success will lead them to stay true to who they are, increase independence, have a strong sense of control, and heightened self-awareness.}

^{An example of this stage for me would be the transition to High school. It was so rough, from being bullied to having mental health issues, I really was unsure of who I was. My friend group changed frequently, and I made a lot of bad decisions about who I hung out with. Ultimately, my grades slipped, and I decided I needed to change because I did not like that version of myself.}

^{In young adulthood, we are starving for personal and intimate relationships. During this stage, all young adults think about the major conflicts of making relationships of different kinds. A positive sense of self relationships have outcomes of healthy, happy relationships that are secure, meaningful, and long-lasting. Those with a poor sense of self tend to fail at forming bonds, which may end in loneliness, isolation, and depression. Some will actually isolate themselves due to past disappointments.
An example of this for me would be I have always been very outgoing and have been abale to talk to anyone and can form relationships very well. Also, I have a very secure relationship with my husband who IO have been married to for over 11 years!}

^{This is the age of middle adulthood, where we stress and worry about our need for life to continue through our children and the impact we leave here, our mark on the generations to come. Alternatively, we may feel we have not made a dent in the world with little to no impact, are unproductive, disconnected, and are outsiders.}

^{An example of this is I have always strived to be the best version of myself. I have served in the Armed Forces, I try my best to be the best mom I can possibly be, and I have changed career paths between customer service, nursing, and now teaching. My purpose is always to help people and impact someone's life.}

^{This is a stage of reflection, slowing down, becoming less productive and thinking about our life's accomplishments. Integrity is a "sense of coherence and wholeness", according to Erikson. We prepare to meet our end with peace, wisdom, and happiness. Failure at this stage would lead to much regret, bitterness, fear, a sense of not having lived well...., and despair.}

^{I feel like I will have lived a life i can br proud of, I have the right morals and values and dedication that I know when my time comes I will be happy with the life I have lived. I know when that time comes I will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"}