Relationship Reflection

as a teacher helps his frustrated 1^st grader with a math problem, he encourages his pupil by saying “It often helps to do it with another person.  We can figure this out together” (Gallagher & Mayer, 2008, p. 80).

This, to me, sums up the importance of relationships/partnerships.  We can do so much more together than we can do alone.  Every time I’m trying to figure out something and a coworker or friend comes along with the answer I remember that two brains are better than one.
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All the following relationships are special and important to me.   Each one continues to influence my work as an effective early childhood professional; mainly by helping me exercise my “awareness muscle” and helping me be more reflective of what I have that can benefit others.  I am more aware of my behavior and words and how they influence others.  This awareness helps me more actively choose my words and actions wisely, in order to accomplish positive results. 

Me and Jesus

He put this beautiful rose in MY garden.  How lovely.

I think this relationship is most like a partnership because it continues to improve all my other relationships.  He loves and takes care of me so I can love and take care of others, and by taking care of others I make Him happy.  He’s so kind and forgiving so His love challenges me to treat others like He treats me.  How can I hold anything against someone when everything I’ve done, do, and will do has already been forgiven?  It challenges me to be more forgiving, understanding, and lenient.  Our relationship has improved my relationships with everyone, especially my mom, coworkers, and the children at my center.

Without our relationship, I’m pretty sure I’d just be mean, depressed, uptight, judgmental, religious, and negative all the time.

Greatest Insights Learned from this Relationship:

-       One of the greatest things God has taught me is that real love is a verb, not a noun, not a feeling.  One can actually choose to love.

-       Everything good takes time, especially relationships; don’t give up on people (especially children). 

-       Even if you fall out of love, you can fall back into love.  Just do the things you used to do (like listen, communicate, be honest, be humble, FORGIVE, love and accept)

Me and Mom (picture to come!)

I live with my mom and now, more than ever, she’s really my friend (and still my mom).  We also have a relationship characterized by partnership.  We encourage each other; listen to each other’s problems and shortcomings.  When her workweek has been crazy, I cook and take care of things; she does the same when my workweek is crazy.  We get along with each other and give each other space when necessary.  Our relationship has challenged me to be as professionally/cordially kind at home as I am at work.

Greatest Insights Learned from this Relationship:

-       Sometimes we can treat those closest to us the worst, but that’s stupid.  I used to be more selfish and have more attitude with my mom until one day I realized (thanks God :-) that I didn’t even treat my boss that way.  I stopped immediately and have been much better ever since.

Me and My Coworkers (picture to come!)

I have a staff that I manage.  I’m new at managing people as well as the rigors of a childcare center.  This creates friction…often, but my staff and I work together to get the job done.  When I forget things, they remind me.  We communicate with each other.  I let them know what’s going on at the administration level; they let me know what’s going on in the classrooms and with children and parents.  We try to understand each other and make sure all perspectives are represented in decision-making.  This relationship is teaching me a lot about leadership.

Greatest Insights Learned from this Relationship:

-       Leadership = Service (the humble, turn the other cheek and bite your tongue kind :-)

-       Wait for the appropriate time to discuss sensitive issues

-       Adults and children alike fight, exclude each other, and hold grudges (children are better at letting stuff go though)

Me and My “Kids” (picture to come!)

I have not yet had my own children but I consider the children at my center to be mine.  They challenge me every day to love and not condemn, to accept and not judge, to respect and not disregard.  They hold me accountable.  We encourage each other.  We teach each other.  I learn so much from interacting with them and I realize how similar adults and children are, though we are far apart in age.  I have grown so much in the past year-and-a-half from working with them.  I am more confident in by ability to teach and that I will be a great mom. 

Greatest Insights Learned from this Relationship:

-       If you want to teach or influence someone, you must first develop a positive relationship with them

-       Be careful what you tell people, especially children, because they will hold you to it