Building Positive Adult - Child Relationships

Good afternoon All,

We have all worked in a classroom and have had the experience of working extra hard to build a positive relationship with a child in our classroom.  The child may be shy or feisty, but whatever the case you work towards building a positive warm relationship with the child in your classroom. There is nothing more important educators do than interact with young children and build positive relationships. Educators can build positive relationships with young children by:

1. Allow time for fun.
2. Be dependable.
3. Handle children's bodies with respect.
4. Listen and respond to what children tell you.
5. Use caring words to let children know they are respected and understood.
6. Adopt daily routines to meet individual needs.
7. Offer children opportunities to make decisions, whenever possible.
8. Have realistic expectations of children's behavior.

Positive adult - child relationships and interactions have a positive impact on children's development.

• Secure attachment to adults will most likely lead to self - confident, sociable, competent individuals.
• Positive relationships with teachers seem to indicate that children will be better adjusted to school.
• Positive adult - child relationships can improve the course of development for "high risk" young children.
• Positive adult - child relationships have a positive impact on children's peer relations.
• Positive interactions have the greatest influence on social, cognitive, and language development.

Fostering mutual respect is also key to building positive adult - child relationships. Adults must remember that young children are not young adults.  Modeling appropriate behavior will expose children to socially acceptable behavior. It is important to show appreciation for children's uniqueness. Find ways to support children's interests. Give children reasonable control over their lives when possible. Let children see that mistakes can be viewed as feedback, and are not to be feared. Teach children about cooperation. Read children stories that deal with mutual respect. Remember to show respect for themselves.

Final note all relationships, including positive adult - child relationships, involve the following:

• Mutual respect.
• Time for fun.
• Encouragement.
• Communication of caring.

Have a great week everyone!!!!!!!!!