"Human relationships, and the effects of
relationships, are the building blocks of healthy development" (Shonkoff
& Phillips, 200 p. 4).
My number one relationship is with my husband, Brian. We meet when we were only 15 years old and have been together ever since. We have been married for almost 22 years and he is my soul-mate, we understand each other more than any two people I have ever met. It took me a while to decided to pursue my education but when I did he was very supportive. He has cooked, cleaned and taken care of the children while I attended college. Our children are grown now but he is still there for me helping me achieve my dreams and goals.
Next would be my relationships with my sons, Jeff is 21 married with a baby on the way in December, our first grandchild. Marcus is 18 and full of life. They have always been my rock, my motivation, to show them that if you set your mind to it, it can be done. I hope that I have instilled these qualities in my children. I hope that I can use the tools that I developed with my children to become the professional that I was meant to be.
Getting the parents’ perspective on many topics and learning from them will build a partnership based on mutual respect and trust. The give and take of positive conversation is a plus. Each interaction moves us toward our goal. We can learn a lot from the parents in our programs. To recognize that they have much to teach us is the first step in building the partnership. And, when we have their trust, they will share with us.
The partnership between the parent and the teacher cannot be underestimated. When it is built on mutual trust and respect, everything else falls into place.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you have a marvelous support system with your husband. I think the big factor on building a relationship with parents is the trust. Congratulation on your grandbaby!
ReplyDeleteCatherine,
ReplyDeleteYour first grand-child, you will forever be changed. I have four grand-children and the love I have for each of them is beyond words. The love between a grand-parent and their grand-child is so surreal, congrats:)
You seem to have a wonderful relationship with your spouse and children, that is awesome!!!
I too agree the support and trust we build with our parents and children strengthens the relationship we have with them as educators.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog entry! I like how you emphasized learning from families. I think this is often left out in building relationships. As others have said, congratulations on your grandchild! I look forward to reading more entries in the future.
Kristi
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteFamily support is critical in family relationships. I know of women from different cultures whose husbands are not supportive and I see the pain and stress it causes to such individuals. Sometimes this small idiosyncrasies can be taken for granted.