Establishing and maintaining relationships with children

Stop

On the first week that I started my work experience it was very hard to talk to some of the children. I sat with them in areas that they like to play and then I started to introduce myself to them by using the toys to attract their attention to what I was saying. Some of the children that I talked to were shy to talk back. On my second week I was able to sit down with the children in different areas in the centre. These areas are Puzzle area, sandpit, family corner, art area, etc. I gained their trust and was able to keep our relationship by listening to what they have to say and knowing what their interests were. Some of the children like to do things they see at home or do what mum and dad does. I pick up all these and try to come with activities that relate to their interest, e.g. cooking, cleaning, drawing, etc.  I was comfortable with them I stated to do activities every week with them. These activities include teaching Samoan songs, weaving different shapes of mats, drawing, and acting out stories. Playing a game call name guessing was my way of knowing the children’s entire name and they also knew how to pronouns my name. I was confident in myself and believed that I can do anything was my strength in keeping my relationship maintained with the children. 

Think

I personally believe that I was able to maintained and create a successful relationship with the children by gaining their trust. They were comfortable around me and I was comfortable around them too. Being honest with the children and giving them feedback on their good behaviour was what helped me to create a good relationship with them. Felling their love and seeing their welcoming face every morning was what made me feel safe and have a sense of belonging in the centre. I know that I have to be the children’s level to understand their needs. Always be honest with them and ask them open questions to better your understanding in their interest and needs.

Change

In the future I would get to know the children in a better way, make them feel safe around me at all times. Spending more time with them and get them involve in any activities that I do. Putting their ideas together and create an activity of their own.