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Autonomy Vs Shame and Doubt
August's (2 years old) is told to put a piece of trash he found into the trash can. August puts the trash into the recycle bin instead of the trash can. His father yells at him, telling him that he put it into the wrong bin.
In Erikson's second stage of Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt, the crisis is between giving a little rope to build a sense of self and promote future independence or stifling this through constant criticism that will lead to indecisiveness and a fear of making a mistake. -
Initiative Vs. Guilt
August (5 y/o) and his om watch Dad from the house hanging Christmas lights on the house. August's Mom mentions how cold it is outside so Iris grabs Dad's biggest jacket and drags it out to him. His Dad chuckles and thanks him.
In Erikson's 3rd stage of initiative vs guilt, a child initiates activities without prompting from their caregiver, if the behavior is reinforced. If the child is always told to "stay in their lane" they regress and feel that taking initiative is a negative trait. -
Industry vs inferiority
August, now 9 years old, is tasked with cutting the grass for the first time. He finishes the job without any help from his father. His father commends him on a job well done and earns a new family chore.
In Erikson's 4th stage of Industry vs inferiority, if a child is properly mentored, they successfully learn and apply culturally specific skills that boost their motivation in acquiring new skills. But, a child may feel marginalized if they demonstrate incompetence in acquiring these skills.