Relationship reflection

Why relationships/partnerships important……

1. Trust
2. Support
3. Understanding
4. Encouragement

People in my life positive relationships…….

1.      Mom

2.      Siblings

3.      Children

4.      Day Care Parents

5.      Teachers & Principal

6.      Pastor

Ways each are positive……

1. Trust and Support
1. Dealing w/personal issues & growing up being there
2. Encouragement
1. Being the youngest of 6 siblings sometimes parents are worn out and siblings step in to help.  Their help was encouraging me to reach the next level of accomplishments;
3. Trust, Support, Understanding, Encouragement
1. Knowing whatever obstacle they faced I would somehow work things out for their benefit; being supportive & understanding of my decision to return to school knowing this time would take away from the time we spent together; Even when I face failure children were there to push me over that hurdle;
4. Trust and Understanding
1. They trusted me with their child’s life while understanding I’m not perfect, I make mistakes too;
5. Support and Encouragement
1. As a single parent I needed to know I wasn’t alone in the task of raising my children.  There were others who also cared about their well-being and accomplishments.  They also supported my career choice and referred parents to my day care;
6. Trust, Support, and Encouragement
1. Many times when things don’t turn out as planned I would second-guess my choices.  It was words from my Pastor who supported me and encouraged me to trust my decisions.

Insights regarding challenges to developing and maintaining relationships

First, relationships must begin with trust.  If I don’t trust you more than likely I will doubt everything it is that you are trying to say to me.  In maintaining relationships you have to form a relationship on a strong foundation.  If one thinks the relationship is formed just to see what they can get out of a person the relationship will not stand against the test of time. Second, you have to remember everyone is not going to always agree with everything you say.  There are times when differences of opinions will destroy relationship or misunderstanding what a person is saying and interpreting them to say something totally different.  Third, which I think is very important, is that relationships just don’t happen over night.  They take time to establish.  Just like all marriages don’t work all relationships don’t work.  But then there are those that instantly happen.

Relationships turned Partnerships

There is a great possibility relationships can turn into partnership when everyone involved have the same mindset and goals.  The relationship is between two individuals or more but the partnership is on what commonly brought them together.  Neither person is greater then the other; they are very mutual and have similar interest and goals.  Relationships must be lively and partnerships should show so creativity.  No need to be stingy or withhold ideas, partnerships are in a relationship together and they share the knowledge they have with others in order for it to be a benefit to others they come in contact with.

Building successful relationships

I’m a firm believer that experience is the best teacher!  I believe past relationships will only help me to build better relationships.  Some things I’ve tried that worked others haven’t quite had the positive impact I wanted so I’ve tossed them.  As an early childhood professional I believe building strong effective relationships are the keys that unlock the door for parents to become more active and involved in their child’s education.  I believe when parents see the teacher or the caregiver is interested in more than just a paycheck they want to show not only their support but also become involved.  Reflecting back on my experiences with relationships I will know which ones are instant and which ones need a little more convincing.