Which of the following is a key social-development milestone during middle…

Concept

Developmental milestones are age-linked patterns of growth in abilities, behaviour, and social participation.

Middle childhood, roughly ages 6–12, is marked by growing competence in school and peer-group tasks. In Erikson’s psychosocial framework, this period centres on industry versus inferiority: children seek mastery, cooperation, and recognition through productive activity.

Application

Developing a sense of industry and teamwork means learning to contribute to group tasks, follow shared rules, compare performance with peers, and gain confidence through competence. These behaviours align with middle childhood.

Contrast

• Parallel play involves activity beside peers with limited coordination and is more characteristic of toddler and early-preschool development.

• Stranger anxiety is wariness of unfamiliar people that typically emerges during infancy.

• Identity formation integrates values, roles, and goals into a coherent sense of self and becomes central during adolescence.

Result

Therefore, the key social-development milestone is developing a sense of industry and teamwork.