Child Development
Erik Erikson
Psychosocial Development
Focus
Preschoolers are building Initiative vs. Guilt — encouragement grows confidence.
Key concepts
- Trust
- Autonomy
- Initiative
- “I can” confidence
In the classroom
A teacher lets a toddler wrestle with the zipper themselves and cheers the effort — building the child's sense of “I can.”
See it in practice
Every Edfable simulation connected to this theory — and why it applies.
Preschoolers are building Initiative vs. Guilt — acknowledging a child's work before redirecting protects their confidence.
Cleanup time. One child won't stop building; a younger child nearby is getting upset. Guide the moment without losing the room.
Toddlers are working through Autonomy vs. Shame — telling a child 'big girls don't cry' shames the feeling instead of helping her manage it.
7:50 a.m., her second week. A 2½-year-old sobs and clings; her dad is already late and doesn't know whether to go or stay. Read the crying right.
Preschoolers are in Initiative vs. Guilt — a save sign protects the work a child took initiative on; sweeping it into the bin teaches him that trying is risky.
10:25, outside time at 10:30. One child is mid-tower, one is already at the door, and the line is about to have nothing to do. Design the transition instead of surviving it.
Consequences that shame create guilt, not growth — keep the child's dignity intact while holding the limit.
A recurring biting incident. Move from reaction to a function-based, teaching plan.
Lead with the child's strengths and initiative — a conference that starts with “what's going well” keeps everyone building.
A worried parent at pickup. Hold the partnership while delivering a hard observation.