At what developmental stage does Sigmund Freud suggest children explore boundaries of control?

Freud posits that children explore boundaries of control during the anal stage of development, which occurs approximately between the ages of 1 and 3 years. This stage centers around toilet training, where children learn to manage their bodily functions. During this time, they begin to gain a sense of control and autonomy as they navigate the expectations set by caregivers regarding toilet use.

The development of control and autonomy in this stage is pivotal as it lays the groundwork for future coping mechanisms and self-regulation. Successfully navigating the challenges of this stage can lead to a sense of competence, while struggles may contribute to issues with orderliness or messiness later in life.