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Event 1
Tom is 4. He likes to wear his shoes on the opposite feet. His mom insists that this is incorrect and forces him to correct them. Tom explains that he knows it's not correct but he thinks it's fun to be different. His mom agrees that there is no real harm in wearing them opposite so she allows him to switch back. In Erikson's 2nd stage, autonomy versus shame and doubt stage, the crisis is avoided by his mom allowing him to be different instead of scolding him for wearing his shoes backwards. -
Event 2
Tom is 16. His father wants him to play football like he did as a boy. Tom tries footballs but doesn't like it and wants to play soccer instead. His father agrees to let him play soccer without requiring him to finish the football season. Tom is happy on the soccer team and grateful for his father's understanding. Per Erikson's stage 5, identity versus identity confusion, the crisis is eluded by Tom's father letting him do what he enjoys and not forcing him to follow in his footsteps. -
Event 3
Tom is 65. He is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has about 3 to 5 years left. He is angry and feels too young for this. He is rude to his doctors for diagnosing him and refuses to tell his adult children. He eventually decides that this is a mistake and is determined to enjoy his final years and include his family on the journey. In Erikson's 8th stage, ego integrity vs despair, Tom comes to terms with his disease and finds peace and joy in sharing his final years with his family and friends.