Relationships are an important part of my life. Whether it is with my family members, friends, pets, or God, it gives me a feeling of completeness. Being able to discuss matters in life and my thoughts with others keeps me “sane”. As a result, I don't feel lonely. Humans, by nature, show high interest in human faces and even know their mothers’ voice minutes after birth (Edelman, 2004). I have many relationships in my life and want to mention just a few of my closest ones.
The relationship I carry with my mother is strong. Despite all of the mistakes I have made throughout my 26 years of life, she has stuck by my side through it all. She voices her opinion about certain issues, but encourages me to make my own decisions. She has always said that it is best to learn from my own mistakes. I talk to her just about every day and visit with her every week.
My father and I are very close. I, too, talk to him about every day and see him every week. If I go more than a day of not talking to him, I feel like I am clueless as to what is going on in his life. We share a love for sports, particularly basketball, so we bond a lot through that similar interest. He also happens to be a pastor. Being aware of his knowledge of the Bible and his closeness with God, I confide in him quite often.
The last relationship I want to mention is that of one of my closest friends, Amanda. We aren’t related but still remain fond of each other. We went to high school together and I went to college with her fiancé so we have kept in touch with each other despite going our separate ways in our adult lives.
Through my experiences in relationships I have found that sharing common interests and goals, being caring, making time, and having honesty and consideration with and for each other are the contributing factors to maintaining positive relationships. Without these characteristics, relationships tend to become a challenge. It takes time and effort to keep people in your life. A friend of mine just recently got married and had her first child. She is so busy with the new additions in her life and I’m so busy with my schooling that we scarcely talk to each other. As a result, I’ve felt a space gradually grow between us.
Having these relationships can impact my work as an early childhood professional. Within relationships and partnerships, comes learning. I can take whatever is learned and apply it in the classroom. For example, I have friends who are teachers and we bounce ideas off of each other when planning our curriculum.
Resources
Edelman, L. (2004). A relationship-based approach to early intervention. Resources and Connections, 3(2).
Hi Arica, that is wonderful that you have a close relationship with your dad. The father daughter relationship has such an impact on the child’s development. I know there are plenty life lesson you have learned from just talking with dad. Also, that is great he is a pastor too. He can give you spiritual guidance as well as fatherly advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...
Andrea
A mother and daughters relationships is one of the most important I feel. A relationship that can remain so strong even though we always didn't do what we should have when we were younger. A mother-daughter relationship is great because you have someone that is more experienced than you are to bond with and share issues with that you might not feel comfortable confiding in a father with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Hi Arica,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I to have great relationships with my parents. They are very motivating and are always there regardless of what. It is hard sometimes for me to understand me students when they are like my dad is not here, I never had to experience that. I think that I am blessed to have my parents in my life and according to your post you feel the same way. Thanks again for such a wonderful post.
Erica Hines
Hi Arica! I enjoyed reading your relationship experiences. You have a supportive family. It must be fulfilling to have your mother by your side despite the challenges you faced in the past!
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