Initiative vs guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, occurring during the preschool years between ages 3 and 5. In Erikson stage 3, children begin to assert power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions. Success leads to the virtue of purpose — the ability to envision and pursue goals...

As infants grow into toddlers, they begin to assert their will, explore their environment, and develop a sense of self apart from their caregivers. According to Erik Erikson, this critical phase—typically occurring between 18 months and 3 years—marks the second stage of psychosocial development: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.