Question

Perry likes to be able to dress and feed himself unassisted although he is sometimes messy. His parents laugh it off and simply clean up his messes. Which of the following stages is Perry likely operating in?

Answer 1

Perry is in the toddler stage, dealing with the concept of autonomy versus shame and doubt. His efforts to dress and feed himself show his development of independence, which is supported by his parents' positive reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Perry is likely operating in the toddler stage of development, specifically reflecting the period where a child resolves the issue of autonomy versus shame and doubt. This stage is often referred to as the "me do it" stage. Here, toddlers like Perry begin to express their independence by preferring to dress and feed themselves, despite sometimes creating a mess, which his parents accommodate by cleaning up. The support from Perry's parents in allowing him to act on the environment and learn from the experience aids in reinforcing his sense of autonomy and independence.

It is important to recognize that Perry's efforts to establish independence are developmentally appropriate and form a critical part of building his self-esteem and confidence. This drive for autonomy is integral in a child's growth, and as Perry continues to learn and develop, he will gain more skills enabling him to interact more effectively with his environment.