Eriksons theory of social development viewed the period from ages 3-6 his third stage as characterized by the major challenge of

By the major challenge of "initiative vs guilt".

This stage according to Eriksons happens amid the preschool years, between the ages of 3 and 5 as mentioned in the question above. Amid the initiative versus guilt stage, youngsters start to declare their energy and control over the world through coordinating play and other social collaboration.