Chapter 3: Eric Erickson
The Eric Erickson chapter is such an essential chapter in early childhood education. The section illustrates the foundation of child development in terms of emotional, social, and mental development. In his theory on psychosocial development, he analyzes the psychological development of human beings. It is through this that every human has a particular task that is accomplished in every stage of human development. According to this chapter, every step of progress affects the next stage (Erikson, 1963). In this chapter, Erickson is convinced that the earliest life of a human being regulates patterns of human development. In the first stage of life, interactions and actions are regulated rather than influenced.
I agree with Erickson’s fact that the attachment of the parents to the babies is very important in this stage of development. I believe that Erickson is right in saying that babies need much warmth and love in contact with their children during this early stage of development. I agree with Erickson that response to the distress of children feels too attached to their parents. I relate it to what I see from children around my environment. They think so connectedly when their parents respond well to their distress; in some parts of this chapter, Erickson’s facts agree with Erickson’s facts. Erickson believes that children develop trust in the people outside as part of their development stage. I disagree with this fact. Not all children develop this trust during this particular stage of development. It depends on the geographical and internal character of the children in this stage. Some children have a lot of fear of being adults at this stage and are only attached to their mothers. In this matter, I do not like the way Erickson generalizes the development stages of the child. In fact, he puts all the factors Constance (Erikson, 1963). It all depends on the cultural and environmental area of the child’s development that shows his or her character traits at this stage.
Controversial Question
How important is it for babies to develop a relationship with their parents at the early stage of their development?
Reference
Erikson, E. H., (1963). Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 10(3), 53-75.
