Which statement reflects the developmental description for toddlers in the material?

Which statement reflects the developmental description for toddlers in the material?

• A. An infant develops a sense of industry by playing with peers.
• B. A toddler develops autonomy by making choices.
• C. A child aged 8-12 develops a superego.
• D. A teenager forms trust with caregivers.

Answer: (B)

Toddlers are in a stage where autonomy and self-initiated action are the guiding forces. Allowing safe choices—like deciding between two outfits or snacks—helps them practice independence, develop self-control, and gain confidence in their own abilities. This matches Erikson’s stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, which occurs around ages 1–3. If caregivers overly restrict or criticize every choice, the child may develop shame or doubt about their capabilities. The other statements pull from other life stages or theories—infants focus on trust with caregivers, school-age children emphasize industry and mastery, and Freud’s idea of a superego isn’t the toddler description. So the autonomy-by-making-choices statement best reflects the toddler description.

Toddlers are in a stage where autonomy and self-initiated action are the guiding forces. Allowing safe choices—like deciding between two outfits or snacks—helps them practice independence, develop self-control, and gain confidence in their own abilities. This matches Erikson’s stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, which occurs around ages 1–3. If caregivers overly restrict or criticize every choice, the child may develop shame or doubt about their capabilities. The other statements pull from other life stages or theories—infants focus on trust with caregivers, school-age children emphasize industry and mastery, and Freud’s idea of a superego isn’t the toddler description. So the autonomy-by-making-choices statement best reflects the toddler description.