The first stage of Erikson's model takes place from birth through 18 months. A child who is properly nurtured and cared for learns to trust his parents. The child will develop optimism, trust, and a sense of security. A child will learn a general mistrust of the world if she does not experience nurturing, loving care.
The second stage occurs through the ages of 18 months to three years. During this period, the child will develop self-esteem and independence as he learns skills and right from wrong. If the child grows frustrated at an inability to develop skills, feelings of shame and low self-esteem may emerge.
The third stage of development occurs when children are between 3 and 5 years old. Children model their behaviors on the adults around them and develop a sense of initiative to experiment. Erikson claimed that children experience the Oedipal struggle during this stage, which is resolved by identifying with the appropriate male or female social role.
The fourth stage of Erikson's model of development occurs between the ages of 6 and 12. A child develops a sense of industry from the incredible amount of new skills and knowledge she acquires during this stage. This stage is very dependent upon social development with peers; serious issues of self-esteem and incompetence can develop if the child feels inferior to his peers. During this stage the world of the child grows to include school and neighborhood as it expands beyond the family unit.