Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because the people I have built relationships with have helped me become the person I am today!

My husband is my biggest supporter and he makes me a better person.  He is always there to cheer me on when I need it and to also talk me down a few pegs when I need that too (and even though I will never tell him this, I am wrong sometimes ;)!) We have been together for 9 years already – married for almost 5.  We have our son Collin and push each other to do/be better like me taking these masters courses.  

 

My family – Mom, Dad, Sisters, and Brother – Yes we are family and have our ups and downs, but boy do we love each other unconditionally! My family has always been proud of me and supports me in any way I need – even when we decided to move 3 states away! (and back again).  They know me inside and out, good and the bad.  Currently, my husband, son, and I live with my parents.  When we moved back to Michigan from Kentucky, we decided to take them up on their offer and have waited it out until I finally found my job so we can settle easily into a place in good distance for my husband and I to travel to work.  If my siblings and I don’t see each other daily, we talk or text nonstop! Family is so important and I can’t possibly imagine life without them.  

 

My Colleague and Mentor – Wendy.  Wendy gave me my first teaching job and mentored me even when I left the center for a different position.  She is uplifting and enlightening.  We have been friends now for 7 years and several career changes for both of us.  She is currently directing and teaching in the Program I had to leave when moving out of state! Isn’t it fun how things can come full circle? We talk and or meet for lunch at least once a month and facebook or text constantly.  Wendy is a forever friend and mentor. (she doesn't care for her picture to be taken :))...

 My friends – Michelle, Carrie, Krista, and Renae.  These girls are my rocks.  We can go one day or a month without talking or seeing each other and we pick up right where we left off!  Carrie and Krista are friends from high school and Renae and Michelle are friends from college.  They never judge me, always listen to me when I need to vent, and offer their advice if needed.  I try to do the same for them as well – I think that is why they are all such good friends to me.  (Note – we are not all friends of the same group so the other girls don’t actually know each other!).  Michelle and I talk daily – we go insane if we don’t catch up… I talk with both Carrie and Renae a few times a month, and Krista is just always there when I need her.  

 Krista

Renae

Michelle 

Carrie

Developing and maintaining relationships is hard! You first must find a common ground on which you can start the relationship – an activity, your careers, kids, college, etc.  Maintaining is even harder as it requires effort and communication.  So many friends have come and gone – gone because either myself or they have let the other slip away with too much time in between phone calls and visits.  I think you really do have to try to keep friends and healthy relationships – just as in a marriage.  Renae and I laugh when we finally get to have conversations with each other – sometimes it is just the messages in our voicemails that get us through because one of us was changing a dirty diaper or doing a feeding… But in the end, we both know the other one cares and would do anything for the other person. 

Special characteristics that make some of my relationships partnerships? I would definitely say open communication, reciprocating actions (give and take), and respect. 

My experiences give me knowledge of understanding, compassion, empathy, and strength.  These qualities help me be an effective professional in early childhood because I can apply these skills for use with the families I work with.  As a parent, I empathize how parents feel when dropping their child off at daycare.  As a friend, I understand the need to be flexible and let things slide sometimes. My relationships have taught me strength to stand up for what is right and back it up with evidence.  Being an early childhood professional isn’t just about knowing child development, it encompasses the child as a whole – including the family and working together.