Final answer:
Mead's theory of self-development includes the play and game stages, which are critical for understanding social roles and the perspectives of others, thus forming one's sense of self.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mead's theory of how the self develops over time includes the stages of play and game. During the play stage, children take on the roles of significant others one at a time, which helps them to learn from a single perspective. This is an essential part of socialization that allows a child to begin understanding themselves as they are perceived by those around them. As children progress to the game stage, they start to understand and manage multiple roles simultaneously, grasping the concept of the 'generalized other' and becoming capable of following a complex set of rules within social interactions. These stages are crucial for the development of the 'self' as they lay the foundation for how individuals interact with and understand their place in society.