Holidays have been hectic and eventful. Hoping that all of us were able to have a moment of relaxation throughout the holidays. Now, we are coming back to normal routine.
Building Block 1 says that a trusting relationship includes paying attention to the ways that children communicate their needs or feelings.
It is important to remember that it is never too late to build a trusting relationship with children.
This new year might be a start to building a trusting relationship or a new chance to start over.
Attachment tidbit:
- Reading a child’s cue and responding accordingly is a significant part of building a trusting relationship, one of the most important things a parent or caregiver can do for a child’s socio-emotional well-being.
- The responses we give may be different. Some days might be more challenging than others, this is expected.
Here are some sample scenarios that can help us think about the ways we respond to children.
Attachment Scenarios:
1. Child tugs on your shirt. How could you respond?
Possible responses: get down to child’s level, look at child, try to figure out what child wants, ask child to tell you or show to help you understand.
2. Child pushes your hand away when you try to help with dressing. How might you respond?
Possible responses: acknowledge child’s desire to dress independently, verbalize acknowledgement by saying “oh you want to dress by yourself”, let child know you are there to help if needed.
3. Child begins to cry because water spilled. How will you respond?
Possible responses: acknowledge feelings, reassure child that it is okay when accidents happen, help a child get a cloth and clean up, help pour another glass.
Reflective thinking:
What are other instances that you have experienced where your reaction or response initiated a start to a great relationship?How about experiences where you might think about now and hope that you could have responded or reacted better?Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work. - John Trainer