At what stage do individuals primarily focus on mastering skills for themselves?

During the stage of childhood, specifically between the ages of 1-3 years, individuals are primarily focused on developing basic motor skills and functioning independently. At this early age, children begin to explore their environment in a hands-on manner, which is crucial for mastering basic skills such as walking, running, and grasping objects. They are in a phase of rapid physical and cognitive development, which allows them to experiment with their capabilities.

This developmental stage is characterized by an increasing sense of autonomy, where toddlers are eager to do things for themselves, such as feeding themselves or starting to dress independently. They are learning about cause and effect through play and exploration, laying the foundation for more complex skills in subsequent stages.

In contrast, other age groups focus on different developmental milestones. For instance, adolescence emphasizes identity formation and social relationships, while middle childhood centers on complex cognitive skills, academic learning, and social interactions. Play age typically focuses on imaginative play and social skills but is not as centered on self-mastery as the 1-3 year stage.