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2.2.4. 'I am' time

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9 jr: I want determine myself who I am. This is the identification phase. At this stage, the identification of ho­me­ma­de choices, interests, pursuits and ideas are coming up for discussion. The perspective of the child expands. It not only thinks more about the small world in and around him or her, but also about the big world beyond. About good and evil, moral standards, cultures and world issues. It examines the familial and social developments and contexts, takes not all for granted and asks critical questions about the beliefs, intentions, behavior and habits of family, environment, society and cultures. And vents his or her moral judgment on this.

n10 jr: I am I and you are you. This is the assertiveness phase. The child acts increasingly independent. It has meanwhile developed an own vision and perspective and feels mentally strong enough to argue about that and to disagree. Both on personal matters, preferences and choices of oneself and the people around him or her, as on cultural and social issues. It doesn't put up with comments like 'what would you know of it' and 'know-all' and doesn't shy away from a conflict.

10h jr: I am this but not that. This is the presentation phase. At this stage the child shows who it is and where it stands for. That it is ready to take in its own place in the world. With its own role and function. That it is ready to take responsibility. That's no longer a child. It behaves increasingly independent, develops his or her own interests and hobbies, whether or not with their own group of friends and is getting more and more detached from the ins and outs of the family organization.

11q jr: I am who I want to be.This is the distance phase. The child takes leave of his or her childhood. It has determined his or her position, taken his or her stance towards family and friends and made his or her choices. It not only feels its own personality, but also - as such - part of a larger whole. It muses about his or her place in the lar­ger whole, is contemplating his or her role in this and philosophizes about his or her future plans and future per­spec­tive.