Relationships Matter

07/16/2015

Instead of standing on the shore and proving to ourselves that the ocean cannot carry us, let us venture on its waters just to see.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

"Relationships are the 'active ingredients' in healthy human development," observe Nefertiti Bruce and Karen Cairone in Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure: 50 Activities to Promote Resilience in Young Children.

"...Supportive interactions are the basis for relationship-building, and relationships are the foundation for the warm and caring bonds that help both children and adults feel safe. Young children experience the world as an environment of relationships, and these relationships affect about every aspect of development - cognitive, social, emotional and physical.

"Carrying out supportive interaction strategies is not difficult, but it must become intentional. Intentional strategies are thought out and planned in advance, helping adults be more prepared for and mindful of their efforts to prevent challenging behaviors and promote healthy social and emotional development. When we are not intentional in our planning, our activities can seem forced, rushed, and lacking in meaning and purpose."

Softerware, Make Managing Your Childcare Center Easier.

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