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Rosemary (infant) was born, her mother was an attentive caregiver. This gave her a safe sense of the world and learned to trust adults in their environment. Erikson's first stage states that from birth to one year of age a child develops their sense of the world based on the warmth and attentiveness of their caregivers. -
Rosemary (age 3) chose her own outfit for the day, disliking dresses. She even started to put on her own socks and shoes. In Erikson's second stage, children begin to perform basic tasks such as dressing themselves and feeding themselves, as well as showing preference to clothes, colors, toys, etc. These developments are dependent upon the caregiver's level of support in their efforts to perform these tasks. -
Rosemary (age 5) plans on having a playdate with her friends. She decides which toys to put out and who to invite. In Erikson's third stage children begin to exert a greater control over their lives by planning and directing various activities. This development is kept under control by parents to keep children from harm. Development can also be hindered by too much control, causing children to feel guilty of their advancements. -
Rosemary (age 11) studied hard for her spelling test and earns an A+. Her parents give her much praise, leaving her feeling accomplished. In Erikson's fourth stage children are focused on learning industriousness, mastering skills such as sports, academics, art, and social skills. When a child excels in certain aspect, they typically receive praise leading them to feel accomplished. Transversely, a child who does not work on these skills could be criticized and feel inferior to peers.