Children's self-concept evolves significantly through early and middle childhood. Between ages 2 and 4, they show increased social behavior and explore gender roles through play, though they often struggle to share. By age 4, they demonstrate greater autonomy by initiating tasks, cooperating, sharing when asked, and separating from parents with minimal anxiety, all of which build a positive sense of self. At age 6, their self-concept broadens to include group memberships, such as identifying with their grade level. During the school-age years, children engage in social comparison, measuring their competencies and personality traits against their peers, a process closely tied to the psychosocial task of industry versus inferiority.