During the latency stage of development, children primarily focus on which of the following?

During the latency stage of development, which occurs roughly between the ages of 6 to 12, children predominantly focus on developing social skills and relationships with their peers. A significant aspect of this stage, as described by Sigmund Freud, is the identification with same-sex parents. Children begin to internalize the values, behaviors, and roles associated with their gender, further solidifying their sense of identity and social belonging. This identification is crucial, as it helps them navigate social contexts and build relationships outside the family structure.

While the other aspects suggested in the other responses are relevant to different stages or dimensions of childhood development, they are less central during the latency period. For instance, developing sexual identity and forming romantic relationships are more characteristic of later developmental stages, such as adolescence. Controlling bodily functions is typically addressed in earlier stages of development, particularly in the anal stage. Thus, the focus during the latency stage is largely on forming social connections and identifying with same-sex peers, confirming that this developmental phase emphasizes the importance of these identities in forming future social relationships.