FOUNDATION BUILDING

Building a Foundation For Success

1) Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers: Foundation Building (Birth to Age 6)​

• Erikson’s Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust (Age 0-1)

• Erikson’s Stage 2: Autonomy vs Doubt and Shame (Age 1-3)

• Erikson’s Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt (Age 3-5)

• 7 Stages of Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD): Stage 1 - Active Start  (Ages 0-6)

 

Erikson’s Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust (Age 0-1)

During this stage, infants depend entirely on parents, caregivers, and family for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and emotional bonding. When these needs are met, a child learns to trust their environment and form positive relationships. A balance of trust and some mistrust is important for learning to distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy individuals. However, when mistrust prevails, a child may become frustrated, withdrawn, and lack self-confidence.

 

Erikson’s Stage 2: Autonomy vs Doubt/Shame (Age 1-3)

This is a crucial period for children to develop self-control and confidence. Parents play an essential role by creating a supportive environment that encourages children to try new things—such as walking, talking, and using the toilet. When children are encouraged to make independent choices, they build the confidence to face future challenges with control and autonomy.

 

Erikson’s Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt (Age 3-5)

At this stage, children begin balancing their eagerness to try new things with their increasing sense of responsibility. Supportive parenting helps children understand boundaries and expectations, fostering a sense of security. This environment allows children to engage in imaginative play, set goals, and develop a sense of purpose.

 

7 Stages of Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD): Stage 1 - Active Start (Ages 0-6)

For children between 0-6, the focus is on acquiring basic physical skills and building balance. Early experiences lay the foundation for future physical development. It’s essential for adults—parents, caretakers, coaches, and teachers—to encourage children to engage in unstructured play, which helps develop motor skills, physical coordination, posture, and balance.

 

Personal Perspective

At this stage, experiences provide the foundation for your child’s development. In the first year of life, children are completely dependent on others. By ages 2-3, children begin to show more independence and become active. It’s around this time that they start engaging in organized physical activities and classes.

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When my son and daughter were 4 and 6, I considered enrolling them in martial arts. However, when I visited a Taekwondo studio, I was surprised to find five- and six-year-olds standing rigidly as the instructor barked commands. The atmosphere felt tense and uninspiring—nothing like the fun, engaging environment I hoped for. I knew that this was not the right fit for my kids.

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Luckily, our local recreational center offered a variety of sports classes. The coaches there focused less on perfecting specific skills and more on engaging the kids in fun activities and games. This approach allowed them to run around, be active, and enjoy the process of learning.

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That year, we enrolled our kids in several sports classes, including gymnastics, swimming, and soccer. Reflecting on that experience, we were pleased to see our children learn basic skills like footwork and ball control in soccer, tumbling and balance in gymnastics, and swim strokes in swimming class. An added benefit was that the classes also introduced them to group dynamics and social interactions with their peers and coaches.

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Overall, we were happy with the results—our children felt comfortable in sports classes, formed friendships, and enjoyed participating in each sport. We credit the coaches and the recreational center for providing a balanced curriculum of encouragement, instruction, play, and discipline.