Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt?

I am the mother of a two-year-old that keeps me busy and laughing! My daughter’s language skills are developing and she surprises me with new words daily. It is a wonderful experience watching her grow and learn. I am glad that she is eager to try new things and want to do things on her own. As an educator I am familiar with this being the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt Stage of Erik Erikson’s development theory. During this stage it is important for parents to encourage independence, and be very supportive as the child tries new tasks. It is believed with this encouragement and support that the child will become more confident and secure. The encouragement and support is needed because if the child is frequently criticized they will have low self-esteem, and feel a sense of shame and doubt in their own abilities.

Now that I have a child of my own I definitely know what kind of teachers I want her to have. I want my child to have encouraging and supportive teachers. It brings a smile to my face every time I hear my two-year-old say, “Look at me Ma”, and “I do it”. Parents and teachers should continue to encourage children to be creative and to explore their individual interest. Even in high school students should be excited about accomplishing a task or goal, and in a mature way say “look at me”.

As a high school teacher I really have no idea what kind of encouragement and support my students had as young children. What I do know and understand is that their early childhood experience does have some influence on who they are today. This is what I have observed and learned over the years, that it is never too late to show support and encouragement to a child! I am sure to encourage my high school students daily and it makes a huge difference. My students are more eager to try and learn new things. I have observed that even if my students make mistakes or don’t do well on something they are willing to try again, because of the supportive classroom learning environment. Every student may bring effects of past experiences into the classroom, but it should not be a hindrance to their future and goals in life. Parents and teachers should be supportive and encouraging every day!

McLeod, S. A. (2008). Erik Erikson. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html