A mother reports that her 2-year-old toddler throws temper tantrums and says 'no' when dressing. This behavior most clearly represents which developmental task?

A mother reports that her 2-year-old toddler throws temper tantrums and says 'no' when dressing. This behavior most clearly represents which developmental task?

• A. Trying to increase her independence
• B. Developing a sense of trust
• C. Establishing a new identity
• D. Attempting to master a skill

Answer: (A)

In toddler years, the main drive is autonomy—the wish to do things for oneself and control small aspects of the environment. When a 2-year-old throws tantrums and resists dressing, it signals a normal push to manage dressing and other self-care tasks independently. This aligns with the Erikson stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, where self-rule is being developed and tested; denying this urge can lead to doubt in one’s abilities. Trust develops earlier in infancy, through reliable caregiver responses. Establishing a new identity is something that occurs during adolescence, not toddlerhood. While learning to master new skills is ongoing, the challenge here is the assertion of independence in daily self-care activities, rather than simply proficiency in a broader skill. In practice, support autonomy by offering safe choices (e.g., which outfit to wear) and gentle encouragement, helping the child feel capable and respected in their growing independence.

In toddler years, the main drive is autonomy—the wish to do things for oneself and control small aspects of the environment. When a 2-year-old throws tantrums and resists dressing, it signals a normal push to manage dressing and other self-care tasks independently. This aligns with the Erikson stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, where self-rule is being developed and tested; denying this urge can lead to doubt in one’s abilities.

Trust develops earlier in infancy, through reliable caregiver responses. Establishing a new identity is something that occurs during adolescence, not toddlerhood. While learning to master new skills is ongoing, the challenge here is the assertion of independence in daily self-care activities, rather than simply proficiency in a broader skill.

In practice, support autonomy by offering safe choices (e.g., which outfit to wear) and gentle encouragement, helping the child feel capable and respected in their growing independence.