How do young children first view themselves? How are self-concepts related to childhood fears?

Young children develop an awareness of self almost as soon as they can speak. Initially, children describe themselves in categorical terms. This means that they describe categories that they belong to, such as "girl" or "child." During the early years of self-development, children also begin to develop a sense of self-worth. Typically, these feelings center on cognitive and physical competence, and social acceptance by peers and family. As children get older, aspects of their personality (traits) become more important to them. For example, they may describe themselves as "honest" or "caring." An awareness of self precipitates some fears. The more aware a child is of him- or herself in relation to a larger world, the more there is to fear about that world. Erikson described the period of early childhood social development as one of "initiative versus guilt." As the child further defines the self, he/she moves increasingly into the world and take initiative in learning how to do new things.