Toddler & Preschooler

OBJECTIVES OF THE TODDLER/PRESCHOOLER LECTURES

• By the end of the toddler/preschooler lectures, you should be able to:

  • Analyze the tasks associated with toddlerhood and preschool according to Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development

  • Autonomy versus doubt

  • Initiative versus guilt

  • Analyze the conflicts associated with toddlerhood and preschool according to Freud’s Psychosexual Theory of Development

  • Anal stage

  • Phallic stage

  • Describe physical, cognitive, emotional & social milestones

  • Reciprocal relationships

  • Attachment relationships

  • Language development

  • Describe the development of cognition, morality, and self-esteem

  • Objective self

  • Emotional self and self-control

  • Categorical self

  • Social self

  • Compare outcomes associated with various parenting styles:

  • Permissive

  • Uninvolved

  • Authoritative

  • Authoritarian

ERIKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL TASKS

1. Autonomy vs. Doubt (1 – 3 Years)

• In this stage, toddlers strive for independence and develop self-confidence.

• If the child does not learn to assert control, it can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt.

• Key question: “Can I control my own behaviors?”

• Children learn to control themselves and their environment, marked by milestones such as toilet training.

• The first three years of life are characterized by "incredible growth."

2. Initiative vs. Guilt (3 – 6 Years)

• At this stage, children initiate activities and make choices.

• Failing to accomplish tasks can lead to feelings of frustration and guilt.

• Toddlers seek challenges and use fantasy and imagination to explore their environment.

• Key question: “Can I become independent of my parents and explore my limits?”

• Significant increase in physical and motor skills; toddlers use