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Trust v.s. Mistrust
Birth to One Year, ability to trust, confidence and security in world
E.g. Consistency of caregiver -
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MY LIFE
All of Erikson's Theories will eventually fit into my life, so long as I live long and continue to evolve emotionally. However for now, I am still floating about in Identity vs Role Confusion, oh to be a teenager! -
Ritual: Christening Milestone: Joining the Church
My parents: My parents were happy to see their child christened. More than anything it was the pride of their parents which delighted the family. -
Accidental: First Smile. Milestone: Further connection to child.
My Parents: My mom was thrilled that her antics could cause an emotional response. I had learned to fit in with society, smiling when ‘happy’. -
Institutional: Staying with Grandma. Milestone: Learning to trust changes in surroundings.
My Parents: My parents were worried to leave me in the custody of someone else, but all went well, and my connection with my grandmother formed. -
Incidental: Responded to Name Milestone: Discovery of Self Identity
My Parents: I was finally responsive to the name Emily! The name started to suit me more as I continued to respond. -
Planned: Beginning to eat baby food. Milestone: Beginning to separate from needing my parents.
My Parents: The entire experience as rather messy. I was not a picky eater, but the mess made it seem like I might have been! -
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Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
One to three years, assert independence, confidence and security in ability to survive
E.g. Picking which toy to play with. -
Planned: Potty Training Milestones: Step towards self-reliance and a more independent living.
I learned quickly and often slept walked to use the bathroom at night. This was a great relief of my parents who used cloth diapers. -
Institutional: First BabysitterMilestones: Step toward understanding of world dynamic, moving away from safety of family.
I feared the changes surrounding me, my babysitter had two sons who had pet rats. I never returned there, my mum realized the change was too soon. I returned home and felt safe. -
Incidental: Learning to talk Milestones: The ability to communicate my needs moved me up in society.
My first word was “Dad”, from there I learned well; however was very shy and only spoke among my close family. Even now most of my memories are feature my own silence. -
Ritual: First Day of Sunday School. Milestones: Beginning to take faith into own hands, the exploration of independence.
It took a long time before I could spend a full Sunday away from my family, but was never fully comfortable. The other children were very loud, I preferred the quiet sanctuary. -
Accidental: Moving past needing soother Milestones: Step towards moving away from necessity of world reassurances for comfort.
My parents “left” my last soother at my campsite at the end of the camping season, we would not return there. I cried a lot but eventually came to terms with the change/loss. -
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Iniative vs. Guilt
Three to six years, assert self, confidence and security in ability to make decisions
E.g. make up games, playing with others -
Ritual: Leaving the ChurchMilestones: The Loss of Belonging in this Second Society.
This was my family’s choice, and I recall being relieved not to return to the Sunday school children again. The religious implications were not conscious at this point. -
Accidental: Beginning to Play Pretend Milestones: The ability to amuse myself, and dictate my own world and games.
I recall long hours playing with my stuffed animals, I was never happier than when surrounded by these friends and my family. -
Planned: Learning to Write NameMilestones: My first educational feat, beginning to understand the quest for knowledge
I learned to spell my name the summer before kindergarten; I recall it seeming so necessary in order to be accepted at school. My Mum and Aunt Cheryl were both present and helpful. -
Institutional: KindergartenMilestones: Moving my trust and life away from the shelter of home.
My sister, Mum and Dad walked me to school, both my sister and I in dresses. I was so happy to be like her, but very fearful of the other students in the class. Already I developed an aversion to my teacher writing on the “stories” that I handed in. -
Incidental: Learning to Include Others Milestones: Learning to socialize outside of the family.
I recall this being very difficult. I made a few close friends and stuck close to them. Still I preferred to play with my cousins and sister, the memories of Sunday dinners and sleepovers with them are the only that I still guard with intensity -
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Industry vs. Inferiority
Six to puberty, sense of pride in accomplishments, initiate projects, confident and secure in ability to reach goals
E.g. School work and projects -
Institutional: Expectations in School Milestones: First Realization of academic responsibility.
I clearly recall the first time I put effort into school work. I was in grade 3, and read a book about loons. For the first time I handed in my report on this book early for it to be edited, I was resentful to see mistakes but learned from them and got 0 on the report. -
Planned: Beginning Swimming Lessons Milestones: First step made with distant future in mind.
At this point I had decided that I would like to become a lifeguard and swim instructor, I took the time and effort to get the prerequisites in order to make this possible. -
Ritual: Becoming a Vegetarian Milestones: Huge self-discovery, learning to assert my own beliefs outside of those of my family.
From a young age I was always passionate about animals. Finally I made the personal decision to stop eating meat, and have never looked back. This was also the beginning of my love for the environment. -
Incidental: Getting first Babysitting Job Milestones: First step towards Economic Independence.
I was terrified to babysit at first. I had always been the kid sister, never the responsible one. I learned to love the kids, and taking care of them. -
Accidental: Reaching “Womanhood” Milestones: Official Physical Change, Womanhood begins.
The first time I got this gift was the day before a pool party. As was the second. Shitt. I didn’t have a good relationship with my Mum at this point and I was one of the first of my friends to get it. I was at first proud to be physically maturing, then frustrated, as it was less than enjoyable. -
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Identity vs Role Confusion
Adolescence, additional independence, future oriented, confidence and security in individual identity
E.g. Planning career -
Incidental: Getting First Job as Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Milestones: Establishing Economic Independence to prepare for school.
I honestly love my job. It has been one of the most rewarding moments in my life. I worked hard to get my job, and now look forward to every minute I spend at the pool. -
Accidental: Losing Elementary School Friends Milestones: Official passage from elementary school.
Once arriving at Denison I only had one best friend left in this school, my two others had gone to Huron. It was sad to see them go, but I also recall a distinct relief at being able to start over. Our group had virtually fallen apart the year before when one of our group members moved away. -
Ritual: Being Elected President of the EcoEthical Group for 2010/2011 year. Milestones: Moment of true pride, responsibility and purpose.
This club is the reason I attend this school. My love for the environment has blossomed and every event we run is more important to me than most other things. -
Planned: Perusing Desired Courses in High School Milestones: Movement towards long term career goals.
My choices were always my own. My parents were supportive but not suggestive. I followed my love of science up until mid-first semester of grade 12, at which point I realized that ”oops I hate science” and moved onto a course which was English oriented. -
Institutional: Applying to University Milestones: Long term quest for knowledge, searching acceptance within the academic world.
The wait to hear back from these school is horrible. I stress everyday, and check my emails far too often. I have gotten into McMaster, which is very exciting, but that’s only 1/3!
