According to Freud's theory, which statement best describes the phallic stage?

The phallic stage, occurring approximately between the ages of three and six years, is characterized by a child's exploration and recognition of their own sexuality and the differences between genders. During this stage, children begin to identify with the same-sex parent, which is essential for developing their sexual identity and understanding gender roles. They may exhibit curiosity about their bodies and engage in behaviors that reflect their growing awareness of these differences.

In contrast to the other options, which touch on other stages of development or themes, the recognition of gender differences is a core focus in the phallic stage. Independence and making choices pertain more to later stages, such as the autonomy of the toddler stage. Control over bodily functions is a characteristic of the anal stage, which precedes the phallic stage. Exploration of sexual identity through interactions is broader and may encompass experiences from multiple developmental stages, rather than pinpointing the specific focus of the phallic stage as defined by Freud. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what occurs during this critical period in early childhood development.