American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

When a child is unable to develop autonomy during their younger years, they may experience feelings of shame and doubt. This emotional outcome stems from their struggles to assert themselves and make choices independently. Autonomy is a critical developmental milestone in early childhood, and when children face challenges in gaining this sense of independence, they can internalize negative feelings that undermine their self-worth.

The lack of autonomy can lead to second-guessing their decisions, feeling inadequate compared to peers, and doubting their abilities. As children navigate tasks and challenges, successful experiences build confidence; without them, the opposite occurs, causing these negative emotions to take root. This developmental stage is foundational for fostering a healthy sense of self, and when autonomy is stunted, it can have lasting impacts on emotional well-being.

By understanding the importance of autonomy in childhood development, caregivers and educators can support opportunities for children to make choices, take risks, and learn from their experiences, which in turn fosters confidence and resilience.