ABSTRACT
Elementary school children become even more independent, particularly as they are influenced by their peers and teachers. They learn how to be industrious, how to get things done, and they establish beliefs about how well they can do those things. Children learn to take academic risks and—this is very important—understand the value of those risks. If their parents and teachers recognize their efforts, they will learn that trying new things is important. The pride they feel in themselves will be tied to how others perceive their efforts. Ego identity is the connection between a person and a social group, and it solidifies during stage five (identity vs. role confusion) that the peoples just discussed. Identity diffusion is where things get interesting. Identity achievement typically occurs during early adulthood. It’s when our child commits to a future career and has a firm understanding of Erikson’s belief system.
