What is a characteristic behavior of children in the “initiative vs guilt” stage?

During the "initiative vs guilt" stage, which occurs roughly between ages 3 to 6 as described by Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, children are beginning to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions. A defining characteristic of this stage is creative play and taking risks.

Children exhibit curiosity and enthusiasm as they explore their environment, engage in imaginative play, and initiate activities. This is a time when they begin to take initiative in their actions, experimenting with new ideas, and expressing their creativity. For instance, they may take on various roles in their play, build structures, or come up with new games. This active engagement fosters a sense of confidence and leadership in children as they navigate social interactions and develop a sense of purpose.

In contrast, behaviors like inhibited exploration, excessive independence, and social withdrawal would indicate either a lack of initiative or a conflict in this stage. Children demonstrating those behaviors may struggle with feeling guilty about their actions or may not have the supporting environment necessary to explore without fear of reprimand or failure.