Children go through a series of emotional stages as they develop from birth to adolescence. It's important to note that individual experiences can vary, and the ages mentioned here are approximate. Here are the general emotional stages:
1. Infancy (0-2 years):
📍Attachment and Bonding (0-6 months): Infants form strong emotional attachments to their primary caregivers, usually their parents or caregivers. They rely on these caregivers for comfort, security, and basic needs.
📍Separation Anxiety (6-24 months): As infants become more aware of their surroundings, they may exhibit separation anxiety when separated from their caregivers. They become distressed when separated but learn that their caregivers return.
2. Early Childhood (2-6 years):
📍Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-4 years): Children start asserting their independence by making choices and asserting their preferences. Successful navigation of this stage leads to a sense of autonomy, while failure may result in feelings of shame and doubt.
📍Initiative vs. Guilt (4-6 years): Children explore their environment, develop a sense of initiative, and begin to take on responsibilities. If they are encouraged, they feel a sense of purpose, but if their efforts are overly restricted, they might experience guilt.
3. Middle Childhood (6-11 years):
📍Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years): Children develop a sense of competence as they acquire new skills and knowledge. If they succeed in their efforts, they feel industrious, but if they consistently fail or receive negative feedback, they might develop feelings of inferiority.
4. Adolescence (11-18 years):
📍Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescents explore their identities, experimenting with different roles, values, and beliefs. Successful resolution of this stage results in a clear sense of self, while failure can lead to confusion and a lack of direction.
📍Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-25 years, young adulthood): As they transition into adulthood, individuals seek deep, meaningful relationships with others. Establishing intimate connections allows them to develop a sense of closeness, while avoiding such connections may lead to feelings of isolation.
Remember that these emotional stages are not rigidly defined and can overlap. Additionally, individual children may progress through these stages at different rates. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment throughout these stages is crucial for healthy emotional development.
Charlie Ella,
Family psychologist, USA