Relationship Reflections

·      Importance of Relationships

Family relationships are at the heart (literally and figuratively) of our existence.  It is those first relationships that set the stage-for better or worse- for all future relationships.  I am very fortunate that I had loving, involved and dependable parents and grandparents.  It was those relationships that gave me the structure and security that still have a positive influence on me.  As a child I enjoyed close relationships with my brother and sisters. These relationships are the ones that I can rely on during challenging times.  These first relationships had an influence on my relationship with my own children.  Despite the fact that my grandparents all passed away quite some time ago, I still use what I learned from my relationships with them.   My relationship with my father is one that I truly value.  His patience, optimism, love of reading and the value he placed on education has had a major influence on my life.  He passed away recently, but I find comfort in what I learned from him and in trying to emulate him. 

“You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. ”

-Frederick Buechner

•  Current Relationships

•  Factors that Contribute

   to Developing and Maintaining each Relationship

•  Insights regarding challenges to developing and

  maintaining relationships

One of the most important people that I currently share a relationship with is my husband of 35 years.  I think that part of the reason this relationship has been successful for as long has it has been is the example that both my parents and his parents set for us as we were growing up.  This relationship is one of the greatest assets I have and is a continuous source of strength and comfort.  The factors that have been helpful in developing and maintaining this relationship are our shared values and religion.  These factors have provided a purpose and direction to our lives. Other important relationships are those that I have with my 4 children. I also continue to enjoy relationships with mom and my siblings.  Factors that are involved in developing and maintaining each of these relationships is being aware that each relationship will be different and that relationships change over time.  I have learned that any relationship is built on a foundation of acceptance, trust and respect. It is not always necessary to agree with the other person, but it is essential to always try to understand the other person’s perspective.

·      Special Characteristics

Relationships with friends are different from those with family.  Family is family after all and with that can come with a more casual and forgiving kind of relationship.  My friends are former and current peers and supervisors.  These are people that understand and share my passion for the field of early childhood education.  While relationships with friends and family are based on mutual respect and honesty, relationships with friends are more difficult to maintain.  The beliefs and values of friends may be very different from mine whereas my relationship with family are in part based on shared experience, upbringing and values.

·      Impact of my Relationships on my Work in Early Childhood Education

My relationships have made me more aware of the role that relationships play throughout our lives beginning with the earliest relationships. I am able to see how my relationships have had a lasting and positive impact on my life and so have made me passionate about ensuring that all young children can benefit from positive relationships in the early education setting.  Working in the field for many years has also made me more aware of the importance of family partnerships and how my own biases impact the relationships I have with parents and peers. 

Our greatest joy-and our greatest pain comes in our relationships with others. ”

-Stephen R. Covey