"My Connections to Play"

Quotes:

“It is a happy talent to know how to play”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Life must be lived as play”- Plato

                  

The role of play in my childhood was awesome. I lived in the country where there wasn’t very much to do but entertain yourself. My mother, as a single parent, tried always to buy me all the current toys and baby dolls so I could play. I had two other sisters at home to play with me, also. Play in my childhood would give me the free-choice to explore and see what I could invent on my own; especially with my easy-bake oven and designing my baby dolls hair. As being a little girl, I always loved to pretend play the role of being a mother to my baby dolls and cooking in my easy-bake oven. Often late in the evenings, my sisters and I would love to ride our bicycles up and down the country roads, just enjoying the peaceful air and looking at the environment.

Today, play is different from the play I was engaged in as a child. Children are more involved in watching TV, playing computer games, or using some other kind of technology. They don’t really play or get involved in outdoor activities as much as years ago. I realize that technology is on the rise and has many advantages, but I feel that children should also take advantage of play and learn the concepts, skills, and tasks through natural play experiences as I experienced as a child. Therefore, I recommend everyone- children and adults- to take advantage of “play” as an enjoyable learning experience by having fun.

Relationship Reflection

Building relationships/partnerships are very important to me. In order to have a positive relationship with someone, it takes effort from both of you. When you have a good relationship with someone, they can be trusted and relied on in times of difficulty, they are always ready to help, and they are enjoyable to be around, and in return you do the same for the relationship to work.

There are several people that I have a positive relationship and standing partnership with. They are my Mom, Husband, and Children. These people are always there when I need them. The expression “actions speak louder than words” is definitely true when it comes to a relationship. They are many factors that contribute to maintaining these positive relationships and partnerships. One of the most and valuable factor is “trust”. I believe that without trust, a relationship or partnership cannot work.

My Mom- Mom has always been there for me from birth to now. She has always loved, cared, and supported me. She has always been able to confide with me and try to support my well-being. She always has a helping hand and is willing to give whatever when needed if she has it.

My Husband and partner- My husband and I have a positive relationship. I met him in high school and we have been together since then. We had to build this relationship in order for it to be positive, passionate, and withstanding. Even though, we have had a lot of challenges to develop and maintain a positive relationship, we were always able to work through them. Now our relationship/partnership has the stability that’s stronger and more lasting.

My Children- As a mom, I have a positive and ongoing relationship with my children. I am there to support them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am not only their mom, but also their friend in which they can come to me with whatever they need.

I also have “friends” that I have built a relationship and partnership with. Having healthy, productive relationships with my family and friends is the most important thing to me in life. Each relationship and partnership gives me a chance to invest my energy making another person’s future better. Everyone needs to strive to build good positive relationships and partnerships with people in the society today in order to make the world a better place.

As an early childhood professional, I want my work to have an impact on my children and families. Not only will I like to have a positive relationship with them, but to also have an effective partnership in promoting the development of the child. By doing this, I will involve parents in making choices about their child’s development, give the families a voice in decision-making by respecting their interests and a commitment to partnership, and continue to maintain the trust.