ERIK ERIKSON 8 STAGES

Trust vs. Mistrust My parents met at Mississippi Valley State University and fell in love. I was born September 12, 1988 in Greenwood, MS at Greenwood Leflore Hospital. My parents were almost married two years. I was the fourth child, but the second from their union. My mom was the sickest when she was pregnant with me. She couldn’t hold anything down; her appetite was null and void. She basically was on my grandmother couch in misery those nine months. I was the first girl for my parents and my maternal grandparents. So I was given a lot of attention. My dad was in the Navy, so my first years were on the move. A few months after I was born we move to Jacksonville, Florida. My siblings at the time were four and one years old. From videos I’ve seen my siblings seem happy to have a little sisters. They played with me and sang to me. I was kind of chubby so my mom called me fluffy. At the time my mom was a stay at home mom, she would read to me, sing to me, and comfort me. I was a happy and friendly baby. I liked to clap and sing. I wanted to do whatever my older brother did. We were eighteen months apart. After I learned how to walk I was his shadow. I wanted to be independent. I want to feed myself and dress myself. My mom was there to show me how and to help me when I was having trouble. My brothers also helped by tying my shoes and washing my hands when needed. I really can’t remember much from birth to eighteen months. My mom did a great job of recording it for me. We have many video tapes and my baby book is filled with milestone moments. This stage of my life I believe my parents provided me with the ability to trust. Hope was given. My parents were there to comfort me and give me what I needed at that particular time. They were consistent with me. They showed me love and spent one on one time with me. They played with me and made me laughed. They made me feel safe and secure. Now, I’m able to trust. I don’t have to feel like everyone is out to get me.