Relationship Reflection

Why are relationships/partnerships important to me?

As I consider the question, I remember an old saying I have heard in my past. “In life you’ll realize there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, and some will teach you.  But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.” Relationships can last a lifetime while others a minute but in the end it is those interactions where you find love, support, and joy. It is through relationships where you grow, learn, and evolve into the person you are meant to be.

Who do I have positive relationships with?

My Parents: My parents have remained beside me through every milestone in my life. Our relationship is strong because at its foundation there is love, trust, and undying support for one another. My parents have modeled the core values that I emulate today. I value knowledge, compassion, and determination. In any relationship, it is easy to let “life” get in the way of maintaining the relationship. With my parents, we are truly invested in each other’s lives and we value family. It is important to us that we remain close for every milestone and memories to come.

My Husband: My husband and I have a healthy relationship that is rooted in our love for one another. Our relationship grew through our friendship and our desire to be in each other’s company. We have common values that we embed in our lives as we build a family. We value patience, a thirst for knowledge, and adventure. At times there are disagreements just like there are in any relationships. But what keeps our relationship strong is that we are dedicated to each other. As our responsibilities grow, we become partners. We work with each other, share tasks, communicate, and remain loyal to each other.  

My Son: The relationship I have with my son is brand new. At 2 months old, we are constantly learning from one another. The relationship is one that teaches me everyday and is driven by my undying love for him. It is hard to imagine what it was like not being his Mom. We are building our communication skills as I work to learn what each cry means. There are often challenges when he wakes up with gas pains at 2 am and all I want to do is sleep. But each moment with him is a treasure and being a Mom is worth every 2 am wake up call. In our relationship, I am the caregiver and the provider to all he needs. It is a responsibility I gladly take on because it is just as rewarding watching him grow.

How do these relationships affect me as an Early Childhood Educator?

As an educator, I am constantly thriving to better my craft and learn from my experiences. At the foundation of who I am as a teacher, is who I am as a person. I am a Daughter, a Wife, a Sister, a Friend, and a Mom. I take what I have learned from each relationship and carry it with me as I teach. I value compassion, dedication, and hard work because it was something taught to me early on by my parents. These values are reflected within my classroom everyday. Relationships are the “building blocks of healthy development” and as people, young and old, we are always developing.