Initiative vs. guilt
Early childhood ranges from age two to six. This is a period of development marked by continued physical and cognitive development, while not as rapid as during their first two years, they are still undergoing a great deal of new growth. Children at this stage are experiencing major milestones in the areas of gross and fine motor skill development, which paves the way for their ability to run, jump, hop, skip, and play. Due to their physical and cognitive development, their self-sufficiency increases and by the end of this stage, their ability to express themselves verbally has tremendously evolved. Physical and cognitive development is not the only growth taking place during these years; there are also great strides being made emotionally and socially during early childhood.
The emotional and social development in early childhood brings about a better understanding of causes and consequences; along with the beginning of self-concept and selfesteem. In early childhood, the ability to self-regulate emotions improves and the ability to express oneself verbally expands. The ability to influence others emotionally also develops and improves. Entrance into early childhood typically ushers in peer relations, moral development, and gender typing. With so many foundational elements being honed in these years, it is critical for parents and caregivers to be as knowledgeable about this stage as possible in order to positively impact their child’s development.
One area of development not commonly focused on in a large scale manner, is personality. Erik Erickson, was a psychologist greatly influenced by the work of Freud, proposed a theory of psychosocial development that consisted of eight stages ranging from infancy to adulthood. In each of the stages, Erickson believed that an individual experienced a psychosocial crisis, which would have a positive or negative outcome, which impacts personality development. Erickson posited that personality develops in a predetermined order and scaffolds upon each of the stage that precedes. According to Erikson’s theory, successful completion of each stage brings about a healthy personality and basic virtues. Failure to successfully complete a crisis in a stage, brings about reduced ability to successfully complete further stages, which more likely results in an unhealthy personality and sense of self. Erikson also proposed that individuals can successfully complete a stage at a later time.
In early childhood, commonly referred to as the preschool years, the psychosocial crisis is initiative versus guilt. This stage begins around age three and continues to age five. During this time, children are typically interacting on a regular basis with other children at school. Play is the central activity of this stage, which provides the opportunity to increase interpersonal skills. If given the opportunity to plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with others, children will develop a sense of initiative, which leads to a secure ability to lead others, and make decisions. On the flip side, if these opportunities are not afforded to a child, instead are discouraged and viewed in a negative light, children may develop a sense of guilt. Which leads to feelings of inadequacy, tendency to be a follower, and a lack of self-initiative.
To help kids develop initiative, it is important for caregivers to encourage exploration so children learn how to make good choices. Children should also be encouraged and given the freedom to play. In the development of initiative play and imagination takes on a great role. Success in this stage brings about a sense of purpose and an understanding that mistakes happen and they just need to try again. In contrast, children who develop a sense of guilt will instead view mistakes as personal failures and develop feelings that they are “bad,” which has a negative impact on the development of their personality at this age.
Michelle Thomas is the director of TRIO programs at Arizona Western College. She can be reached at Michelle. Thomas@azwestern.edu.
OLD YUMA WALKING TOUR
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon WHERE: Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens, 240 S. Madison Ave. GOING ON: Stroll through centuries of history on this foot-friendly walking tour through old Yuma; hear stories of booming businesses, brothels and riverboats from Yuma’s yesteryear COST: $15, includes free ticket for museum tour INFO: Call Yanna Kruse at (928) 782-1841 or email ykruse@azhs.gov
CESAR CHAVEZ BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Arizona Western College, 2020 S. Avenue 8E, meeting room GOING ON: 500 blood donors are needed each day for the Arizona hospitals depending upon United Blood Services; all blood types are needed, with Type O-negative in greatest demand INFO: To find the hero in you, call 1-877-UBSHERO (1-877-827-4376) or visit www. BloodHero.com (enter city or zip code)
BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: YRMC, 399 W. 32nd St., Corporate Center, Kokapelli conference room GOING ON: 500 blood donors are needed each day for the Arizona hospitals depending upon United Blood Services; all blood types are needed, with Type O-negative in greatest demand INFO: To find the hero in you, call 1-877-UBSHERO (1-877-827-4376) or visit www. BloodHero.com (enter city or zip code)
ORCHID CARE
WHEN: 4 p.m. WHERE: Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive GOING ON: Learn the basics about how to care for orchids in the Desert Southwest; free
TRAVEL FILM
WHEN: Doors open 6 p.m.; show 7 p.m. WHERE: Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive GOING ON: Stan Walsh will present the travel film on Corsica and the Rivieras; question and answer session; world adventure film series is presented by city of Yuma COST: $10 INFO: Call 373-5040
SALUTE THE MONKEES
WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St. GOING ON: A salute to those 60’s TV and musical sensations, the Monkees; hear songs like “I’m a Believer,” “Steppin’ Stone,” “Last Train to Clarksville” COST: $25 INFO: For tickets, call Yuma Art Center, 3735202; Civic Center, 373-5040; Parks and Rec, 373-5243 or visit yumashowtickets.com
POTATO TACO FUNDRAISER
WHEN: Month of March GOING ON: “Team Lolly” will have a potato taco fundraiser with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life COST: $6 per dozen (uncooked)
BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon WHERE: Kofa High School, Ernest F. Rillos gym, 3100 Avenue A GOING ON: 500 blood donors are needed each day for the Arizona hospitals depending upon United Blood Services; all blood types are needed, with Type O-negative in greatest demand INFO: To find the hero in you, call 1-877-UBSHERO (1-877-827-4376) or visit www. BloodHero.com (enter city or zip code)
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE
WHEN: 1 p.m. WHERE: Olive Garden, 1720 E. 16th St. GOING ON: Learn about the four parts of Medicare including making the most of your rights, options and entitlements, how to enroll in Medicare, what Medicare does and doesn’t cover; limited seating, appetizers provided INFO: Call Todd Walker at (928) 362-0646
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Copper Miner Restaurant, 11375 S. Foothills Blvd.
JAZZ MASTER CLASS
WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. WHERE: AWC Music Building, MU 102 GOING ON: Janet Hammer from San Diego will give a jazz master class; also rehearse and work with AWC Chamber Singers 12:15 p.m. Thursday INFO: Call (928) 344-7573 or email louis. pollard@azwestern.edu
EDUCATIONAL FAMILY NIGHT
WHEN: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: AWC Somerton Center, Somerton Middle School GOING ON: Local schools will have talent including dance, musical performances and academic displays; collaboration between AWC Somerton Center, Somerton School District 11, city of Somerton, Somerton Adult Education, Kofa High School and Yuma County Housing Department; free
KING’S HERALDS QUARTET EVENT CANCELLED
WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Yuma Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1681 S. 6th Ave. GOING ON: The King’s Heralds Quartet had to cancel their concert due to medical reasons
“WALKING IN LIGHT”
WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene, 1980 S. Avenue A GOING ON: The Cibola High School Choral Department will present their 8th annual spring tour “Walking in Light” featuring the CHS performing and beginning choirs, women’s chorus under the direction of Brandon A. Stroup; tickets available at Fretworks, Gila Mountain United Methodist Church or at door COST: $7 INFO: Call (928) 502-5975 or email bstroup@ yumaunion.org
DIANA ROSS TRIBUTE
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Yuma Art Center, 254 S. Main St.
SCRAPBOOK CLASS
WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4300 W. 16th St. GOING ON: Learn how to scrapbook using your computer; free INFO: Call Betty at (928) 366-2288
VILLAGE JAZZ
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Village area, Yuma Palms Mall GOING ON: Janet Hammer, “San Diego’s most versatile singer,” appears with AWC Jazz Band and shares the stage for this year’s AWC jazz fest performance; bring own seating; free INFO: Visit www.yumajazz.com
“IS HE DEAD?”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: AWC Theater, main campus GOING ON: AWC theatre department will have their spring production of “Is He Dead?”; written by Mark Twain, adapted by David Ives, directed by Ann Wilkinson COST: Tickets $5 or free with AWC ID
ART ACROSS THE BORDER
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Friendship Park, 480 N. Main St., San Luis, Ariz. GOING ON: Art displays, art for sale, art created on the spot by Sonoran and Arizona artists; mediums include painting, paper mache, jewelry; artists will exhibit and create works commemorating Cesar Chavez and his efforts to organize farm workers; visitors are invited to create art to a large collage work, the Border Wall canvas; food, entertainment, music groups Furia Mexa and Veron, artists performing Ariana Isabel Estrada, Miriam Contreras Estrada and Valentina; free INFO: Visit cityofsanluis.org or call San Luis Parks and Rec at (928) 341-8535 or (928) 3418538
THE FOREIGNER
WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St. GOING ON: Yuma Community Theater presents The Foreigner by Larry Shue, in cooperation with Dramatists Play Service COST: Ticket prices vary INFO: Tickets can be purchased at Yuma Art Center or visit www.Facebook.com/ YumaCommunityTheater
JAZZ NIGHTS
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Julieanna’s Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. GOING ON: Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be featured; sponsored by KAWC FM/AM; no admission charge INFO: Visit www.yumajazz.com
“IS HE DEAD?”
(See March 23)