Step One

Erik Erickson broke down the human development process, from birth to old age into eight distinct stages. The first stage is the Trust versus Mistrust stage which starts from birth up to 18 months (Elkind, 1970). Children tend to trust caregivers who give consistent care and affection. On page 10 of Charlotte’s Web, we see how the care given to Wilbur puts him at ease whenever Fern is around (White, 1999). Autonomy versus Doubt is the second stage. Here, caregivers should help children to develop independence in tasks they are capable of doing. For example, from page 5-6 of Charlotte’s Web, we see how Mr. and Mrs. Arable allowed Fern to feed the piglet, and this continued till when Wilbur was sold (White, 1999). The third stage is called Initiative versus Guilt. Children begin to explore and assert themselves in their environment by being inquisitive and exploring new activities. In page 2, Fern wins the tussle to save Wilbur’s life and this gives her the initiative to take care of him as if it were a lovely child (White, 1999).Industry versus Inferiority is the fourth stage. A child’s world extends beyond home, and growth depends largely on the reaction of adults around them (Elkind, 1970).In page 15, Fern, on encouragement of her uncle, feels free to frequently visit Wilbur at his new home (White, 1999).

Step Two

The first four stages of Erickson’s theory show that a child’s development, especially in the early stages of life, depends on the people around him. The actions and attitude of adults around the child, gives signals of approval or disapproval. This may arouse feelings of inadequacy, shame, doubt, autonomy, initiative and purpose. Such feelings may well proceed into adulthood (McCormick, n.d.). Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory breaks the human life into five distinct phases. The first phase, microsystem, bears a lot of resemblance to Erickson’s first four stages. This is because an individual grows within the microsystem which is basically the environment, consisting of the school, neighborhood, family and peers, and which have a great impact on a child’s growth. Bronfenbrenner mentions that sometimes, a child is not aware of his options because of inherent problems in the environment. Such problems may include discouragement, harassment, school dropouts, or even lack of proper facilities at school (McCormick, n. d).The adults therefore plays a key role in guiding the child navigate his or her way through this maze.

Step Three

Cultural differences play an important role in the development of a child. It affects the way parents and caregivers impress several values upon their children. It can later be seen in the way a child interacts with peers, the way they play and even how they learn and communicate (Trawick-Smith, 2006).Cultural attachment among infants will vary depending on how they are frequently exposed to a multicultural environment, and the levels caregivers consistently encourage them to adopt practices and activities of other cultures which is considered more civilized. Autonomy varies across cultures. For example, communities that are oppressed, underrepresented of lagging behind economically, tend to be over protective over their children, allowing them less autonomy (Trawick-Smith, 2006). In Charlotte’s Web, we see that interaction between children and adults is more relaxed with children enjoying more freedom. On the other hand, the attachment between children and pets is stronger as is demonstrated between Fern and Wilbur.

Step Four

Erickson’s first four stages of development provide an incisive insight into the development of a child. Of importance is the way it shows how the environment affects the growth of children. Parents, teachers and caregivers have profound effect at this critical stage of a child development. Crucially, the impact of a child’s experiences at each stage of development, can well proceed into adulthood. This only points out the important role parents play in the development of their children. Therefore, parents should constantly monitor their children activities and behaviours, and help them overcome difficulties they may be having in expressing and exerting themselves.

Parents have to be equipped with the skills on how to handle their children at each of these stages. Again, the same parents will need the knowledge of the limits they should allow the children. This is because allowing children too much freedom may ruin them and cause parents a lot of stress. Tact is needed in denying a child what is obviously unacceptable, without injuring his or her self-esteem.

A close working relationship between parents and teachers will also come in handy. This is because children spend most of their time in school, and it is in school that they develop their social skills. Teachers may have the experience to notice any difficulties a child may be having and parents should be ready to work with them to help a child. Moreover, a child’s behaviour at home may be quite different from school, due to a number of factors.

In extreme cases, parents can also seek the services of a therapist to assist their children develop as expected

References

Elkind, D.   (1970). Erik Erikson’s Eight Ages of Man. Retrieved 14th October, 2013 from

www.pdx.edu/sites/www.pdx.edu…/sscbt_EriksonsEightAgesofMan.pdf?

McCormick, J.(n.d.).The Developmental Theories of Erik Erikson and Urie Bronfenbrenner.

Retrieved 14th October, 2013 from jessiemccormick.com/edpg%202%20paper.pdf?

Trawick-Smith, J. (6th Ed.).(2006). Early Childhood: A Multicultural Perspective. New Jersey:

Pearson Education.

White E. B. (1999). Charlotte’s Web. New York: Harper Collins Publishers