This is Erikson's third stage of psychosocial development, occurring during ages 3-5 years old. Children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions. If they're encouraged and reinforced for their initiative, they develop a sense of initiative—a feeling of confidence in their ability to lead others and make decisions.
It's like being a captain on a sports team. If you're allowed to call plays (initiative) and your teammates follow along successfully, you'll feel confident in your leadership abilities. But if every time you try to call a play it fails (guilt), then you might start doubting your decision-making skills.
Role Play: The act of imitating the character and behavior of someone who is different from yourself; it can be a way for children at this stage to explore different ways of viewing the world.
Socialization: The process by which individuals learn the values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their society or culture.
Conscience Development: The process by which children develop a moral understanding of right versus wrong; guilt can be seen as an aspect of this development when children feel bad about doing something that they perceive as wrong.
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