Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because I feel that it is a necessity to a healthy life to have people that know you and care about you as an individual.  It's nice to be able to contact someone and discuss issues that you are both familiar with.  The person/people you have a relationship with knows you as a person; they know everything about you and what is important to you. 

I have so many people that I have positive relationships with.  To start with are my parents.  They have always been there for me, been supportive of all my decisions (whether good or bad).  I feel that I can talk to them about anything.  They are the ones that I can count on for that tough love.

My best friend April.  Her and I have been best friends since 6th grade.  We are like sisters.  We make it a point to talk everyday, even if it's just to see how the other person is doing.  Our relationship is very open, we hold nothing back from each other.  She is probably the one person who knows me better than I know myself.

Another positive relationship I have is with my Pastor and his wife.  This bond has just recently developed and it has been wonderful.  The last couple months has been very difficult for (bitter divorce, lay off notices at work, parent illness, my own illness just as a start).  I finally reached a breaking point and my pastor and his wife took me under their wings.  I now have a special relationship that is very spiritual and uplifting.  I know that I can call them and they are there to listen.  I think what makes this relationship so special is that they don't take sides.  They are neutral parties, and they help ground me when things are messed up. 

One of the challenges that I have encountered with developing relationships is that of trust.  I am not one that rushes into things.  I like to really get to know the person and get a feel for them.  I think for a partnership it is important that both parties have a sense of trust and respect for each other.

Another challenge is communication.  Sometimes people are afraid to talk things out or discuss issues that are important to them.  This may be to the fact that they don't want to bother the other person with problems or they don't want to hurt the other person's feelings.  Communication is very important in a partnership.  It goes back to the trust thing.  If you trust that person, you should be able to talk to them about anything.


I think my experiences with relationships/partnerships will have a positive effect on my role as an Early Childhood Professional.  I feel that I am an easy person to get along with, and I have had lots of experience working with people.  I know that it is important at the beginning stage that the other person feels that they are being heard  (especially parents).  Working with children and families, I know that I must be open to their ideas and to honor their beliefs. When building that relationship with families, I give as many avenues to them to contact me.  My parents have my email address, work number and cell number.  They know that if there are any concerns or questions, I want to be available to them to help relieve any anxiety they may have.