PSY 245

Take some time to think about and explore the relationship between Erikson's psychosocial theory and parenting skills. Erikson thought a child's sense of trust was the cornerstone of all future personality development. Thus, the interactions between caregivers and the infant are extremely important.  

Which aspects of parenting lead to this sense of trust? Parental consistency and responsiveness  

What roles do physical comfort, consistency, lack of fearful situations, and feeding play?  

What is the role of parental attentiveness?  

Should the caregiver respond immediately to the infant's cries?  

Do you think that trust is developed more easily by later-born children, because their parents are more confident?  

What aspects of being the firstborn counterbalance the advantages of having experienced parents?