"Human relationships, and the effects of relationships on relationships, are the building blocks of healthy development" (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000, p. 4)
Relationships and partnerships are important to all humans because humans are generally social creatures, and we rely on one another for physical, social-emotional, and cognitive needs. As infants and children, our needs are met by our parents, grandparents, extended family and friends. As adults, our needs continue to be met by family and friends, and usually by our spouse or significant other. Children can also contribute to meeting a parent's needs by teaching us new things, new perspectives, and by their needs for physical affection. Some current positive relationships in my life are the ones between my husband and I, my son and I, my parents and I, and one very special aunt and I. Overall, the factors that contribute to maintaining these relationships are love, communication, and overall interest and concern about each other and what is going on in everyone's life. Many of these relationships have been forged over many years.
One significant relationship/partnership in my life is that between my husband and I. Our relationship obviously began as a romantic one, and has led to our new roles as parents. This joyful occasion led to us changing our roles as life partners to each other to a partnership in parenting our infant son. Clear communication remains a strong influence in keeping this relationship positive, with clear expectations from both of us about each other's roles and responsibilities, and how they change on any given day. When communication fails, this leads to frustration and stress for both of us, and ultimately our child.
In general, communication is the key to maintaining and improving most relationships. Clear communication, with a shared understanding of any goals, hopes, and dreams, makes everyone happier. It often leads to discussion and compromise when differences of opinion arise. However, ongoing, open and honest communication can be difficult, and therefore can also be a challenge to developing and maintaining relationships. This is especially true when differences in opinion arise, that may result in creating a rift between two people. Here it is especially important to discuss differences of opinion, to respect each other's opinion, and come to an agreement that is acceptable to everyone.
Reflecting on relationships contributes to early childhood professionalism because it helps us understand our own ideas, opinions, and biases, and therefore deal with them so that we can be more open and welcoming to the children and families in our programs. It allows us to see that our opinion is not the only one out there, and that sometimes we may be wrong or misguided in our opinions. This allows us to change so that we can improve our relationships with children and their families.
