At what stage of development are children primarily focused on competence and achievement?

During the school-age period, which typically ranges from around ages 6 to 12, children are primarily focused on competence and achievement. This stage is characterized by significant cognitive, social, and emotional development as children begin to engage more with their peers and the educational system. They seek to master new skills and are motivated by a desire to achieve and be competent in various tasks, such as academics, sports, and social interactions.

In this developmental stage, children start to compare themselves with their peers, which encourages them to work hard to achieve success and recognition. Their sense of self-esteem is often linked to their competencies in different areas, paving the way for future learning and development.

The other stages mentioned have different focuses; for instance, preschool children are more about exploration and play, adolescence involves identity exploration, and early adulthood is often about establishing independence and relationships. Thus, school-age children stand out for their focus on competence and achievement, making it the correct context for this question.