Vignette On Child Development

Vignette on Theories
No two children are ever the same and every child will develop in their own particular way. Just like how every child is different, people are also different in how they view the raising and developing of their children. Some parents believe in being strict and other parent in a more lenient way. There are many different theories on child development but among the most important are those from Freud, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erickson. All of these people helped develop theories and stages that categorize a child's development.
Freud introduced the theory of psychocexual phases. The psychosexual stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital. The oral phase occurs between 0-18 months and the focus in this stage is
An infant will either be able to trust if a parent is there taking care of them or mistrust if they don't have a solid caregiver present. Following the first stage comes the second stage of autonomy vs shame and doubt. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt typically occurs between the ages of eighteen months to three years old. In this stage children are just becoming adventurous and curious. If a child’s curiosity is supported and supplemented then a child will become more independent. If a childs curiosity isn't supported and mocked then the child will become dependent and also feel rather inadequate. From the age of three to five the stage of Initiative vs. Guilt comes into play. At this age children are beginning to ask more questions and also engage with other children whether it be at school, daycare, or other environments. At this stage it is important for a parent or other authoritative figures to establish a balance of feeding their hunger for knowledge but also setting boundaries on when it is a good or bad time to discuss certain matters. If a child is criticized for asking too many questions or being judged for being too invasive they will feel guilt but if guided through their questions properly they will develop initiative. Erikson’s fourth stage is Industry vs. Inferiority and occurs between the ages of five to twelve. During this stage a child is growing their knowledge and comprehension rapidly so it is important to support their rapid learning so they can fulfill the need to be industrious. If a child is left unsupported and questioned they will feel inferior and get pulled back. Identity vs. Role Confusion is the next stage addressed in Erikson’s theory. This fifth stage most often occurs during adolescence between the ages of twelve to eighteen. In the stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion the adolescent is trying to find their place in this world and often