According to Erikson's stages, what is the key challenge for toddlers aged 1-3 years?

The key challenge for toddlers aged 1-3 years, as described by Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. During this stage, children are beginning to develop a sense of personal independence. They start to assert control over their bodies and actions, which includes potty training, dressing themselves, and making choices about what they want to do.

Successful resolution of this stage leads to a sense of autonomy, where the child feels capable and confident in their abilities. On the other hand, if caregivers are overly restrictive or critical, the child may develop a sense of shame or doubt regarding their abilities, leading them to feel less capable and dependent on others. This stage is crucial because it lays the foundation for self-esteem and confidence in later stages of development, allowing the child to explore their environment and assert their preferences.

The other choices represent challenges associated with different age groups. Trust vs. Mistrust pertains to infants (0-1 years), where the focus is on developing a sense of security. Initiative vs. Guilt occurs in preschool-age children (3-6 years) as they begin to initiate activities and assert control which can help them develop leadership skills. Finally, Industry vs. Inferiority happens during