A Description of Erikson's Development Stages for Toddlers

Trust vs. Mistrust

• Starting at birth and lasting until your child is 18 months old is the first stage of development identified by Erikson. In this stage, children are learning about who loves and cares for them. Your child's basic needs are met and she learns to trust that you will continue to care for her. Failure to meet your child's basic needs and provide her with comfort can result in a deep mistrust for people around her and difficulty making attachments with others. This stage sets the groundwork for later independence; if parents provide what she needs, she will feel confident she can trust the world around her.

Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt

• The second developmental stage begins around 18 months and continues until around age 3. During this stage, your child will begin to develop independent skills, such as walking, talking and feeding himself. He will begin to develop self-control over his behaviors and learn the meaning of the word "no." Children need special love and care during this stage, Erikson says, and should be taught correct behaviors rather than punished for wrongdoings. Feeling intense shame for wrong behaviors (particularly without being corrected) can result in lowered self-esteem as your child grows.

Initiative vs. Guilt

• The third stage of Erikson's developmental stages is also known as the "play" stage and lasts until your child begins school (around age 5). During this time, your child will begin to take initiative and become more creative. She will play with a purpose and use her imagination quite vividly. Girls and boys tend to segregate at this age and play with more gender-specific toys (such as dolls for girls and trucks for boys). As she grows more independent, she develops significant attachments with other children and extended family. Children who are stifled in their creativity during this stage may suffer guilt over their desires, Erikson says, resulting in a lack of ambition during later years.

Ways to Help Your Child

• According to Arlene Harder, a marriage and family therapist, you need to nurture your child through each stage and help him to overcome disappointments and failures. Erikson states failure is a part of growth, but a child needs to learn to overcome it to move from stage to stage. This is especially important during the critical toddler years, as these stages set the groundwork for future stages and success. Following Harder's advice, parents can allow toddlers to express creativity and be accepting of any quirks or idiosyncrasies. They can help their children explore the world while setting age-appropriate limits, answering questions honestly but diplomatically and allowing plenty of time for creative play.