Relationship Reflection

Relationship Reflection

A relationship is a connection between two or more, people in this case. There are different types of relationships that we will encounter throughout our lives, from birth until we leave this life. The first is that between us and our parents, then siblings and into extended family. These early relationships is the foundation of our social skills/ connections and other behaviors that are formed in us, and stay with us throughout our lifetime. What we learn here, from that which is modeled before us, good or bad, will affect those relationships with siblings, friends, romantic relationships, colleagues, neighbors and those later in life.

Relationships are important to me because they are the building blocks for love, companionship, trust, emotions, purpose, usefulness and support. They give me a sense of belonging and boost my self-esteem. It is fulfilling to me when I am able to listen to someone who need an ear, or is able to give an encouraging word when it is needed. I like to be “there” when am needed and I like to know that there are people that I can call on, talk to, laugh or cry with, give to or get help from or just hang out or share with at any time.

The first relationship that I held dear to me was with my oldest brother, he was three years older than I am. Along with my older cousin, we were the only children in the house, Tony was (he passed a few years ago) my big brother and he was my hero. I would follow him around everywhere he went until sometimes he became annoyed with me. He took care of me, I knew he loved me because if I were in trouble with our grandmother, he would ask her not to punish me. When she asked if he will take the punishment for me, he said no but asked her to make it a little one, for that I loved him more. My grandparents who raised me were very important to me as they taught me values and morals, they set examples and gave me the guidance that shaped my character and set the tone for me in becoming who I am today. The relationships with my Sunday school and regular school teachers, also the members of the community in which I was raised played a significant role in who I am today. In that culture we truly lived by the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”.

A few people that I would like to mention with whom I have positive relationships are: My husband Neville who is my best friend, my human rock, all-time support in all things, my love and confidant. He always let me feel that I can do anything, always letting me know that I am appreciated. He stands by me whatever the circumstance and never gets frustrated, he never thinks that I fail but always say, “Take a break and try again” or “it is not that important”

My Daughter Staceyann is very special to me for many reasons, she is my daughter and that’s enough! However, of great value to me is the strong support we are for each other.

Even though I bonded with my dad in my late teens, we have built a strong relationship talk with him every day because I believe that it is important to stay connected this moment is all we have.

One of the most precious relationships that I have entered into recently is the one with my new granddaughter Hannah. She is two months old and the joy of our lives, I have the privilege of caring for her on a daily basis and it is amazing. This is one relationship that is priceless to me and it could not have happened at a better time. I am studying about child development and get to see it all come alive before my very eyes.

   There are many challenges that we face when entering into new relationships and another thing to survive and maintain these relationships. Some relationships are momentary, we connect with people in different circumstances for different and varied reasons. We sometimes want relationships that we cannot have because they may be the opposite to our value or belief systems. They may be out of our reach geographically or socially incompatible, but whatever the reason, we have to make a decision. People come into relationships with their expectations of the other. Also a preconceived idea of what the relationship is going to be, not taking into consideration that the other party or parties may also have their idea of what they want out of this relationship. Yes we are looking for what we want in a relationship, but we have to be able to communicate that fairly and be willing to reach a compromise in some things for it to work. We must have well developed communication skills or be willing to acquire them for the sake of growing and building workable relationships.

The special characteristics I see in relationships that make them work are; truth, forgiveness, patience, giving, unconditional love, compromise, humility, good listening and communication skills, a heart for fun and spontaneity and wisdom to read between the lines.

I believe that my years of experiences in various types of relationships, trial and error included, has taught me that I do not know everything. I have come to realize that the more I learn, the more I should seek to learn so that I will have a wealth of knowledge and capability to make insightful, inspiring contributions to the families I serve. I will also be a resourceful and effective professional that will impact families, colleagues and other professionals, in the early childhood field.

                                          My husband

                      My daughter

 Family time

 My dad

My Hannah

Good friends

Family