"MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY"

“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” ~ Leo Buscaglia (author, educator)

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)

As a young child I didn’t have many opportunities to play.  I came from a family of 11 children and even as young as 5 years old I was changing diapers and taking care of my younger siblings.  As a young child  when I did have time to play, I played with dolls mostly because I would act out the things I had to do for my siblings.  I enjoyed pretend play with my dolls and siblings.  I really enjoyed playing mom and dad and school.  Play was not often encouraged because there was always house and school work to be done.  When I had the opportunity to play outside, I would play jumprope with siblings and friends.

I think that play today is very different from play when I was a child.  I enjoyed dolls, jump rope and just playing chase.  Children today are too consumed with technology that they hardly go outside and instead of asking for a doll or truck they are asking for high tech electronics.  Although I think the use of electronics have proven to be very helpful in education, I don’t feel that it should replace our “old school toys”.  Today I fully understand the importance of encouraging meaning play.  Being able to play and pretend will help children in my opinion learn and grow to be successful adults.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because they provide an opportunity for growth, fellowship, stability, friendship and love.  There are several people in my life that I have positive relationships with which includes my husband, children, sisters and my niece Kylie.

The relationship that I have with my husband is the most important relationship that I have because he has to be my rock.  When I am weak, he is strong.  He helps to support our household financially, keep me focused on my goals and holds me accountable for my wrong doings.  The next relationship is that with my children.  As a mother the relationship that I have with my children is very important.  I can truly say that I am blessed because two of my children are teenagers and they feel comfortable enough to come to myself and their father when they need help or advice with something.   As a young teenager I lived with my aunt and uncle and I kept all my problems bottled up inside and would not share anything with them.

The relationship that I have with my sister is one that I cherish because I feel that I can call her and cry, laugh or complain without her judging or making fun of me.  She and I are able to bounce ideas off each other as it relates to our business and marriages.  Lastly, I mentioned the relationship with my niece because she is only four years old and she has a heart of gold.  She currently attends my childcare and she is so loving.  She will not let me start my day without giving her a hug and saying that I love her.  When I enter her class on a daily basis she reminds me that she loves me by giving me a simple smile.  I think that if all relationships were as easy and loving as the one we share the world would be a better place.

I think that there are several reasons people can’t keep positive relationships.  Unfortunately, I have had what I thought was a great relationship to fail abruptly.  I think this is because instead of the parties involved did not take the time to sit and talk and listen to one another.  In order for a relationship to be positive you must have equal contributors.  In the early childhood field having positive relationships can effect my work tremendously.  If I have positive partnerships with people that can give me ideas and resources that can help improve and grow my program.