My Connections to Play

Those two quotes are representations of what play meant to me during childhood. I was primarily outside and did not consider play an "in house" activity. I was always disappointed when it was a rainy day and I could not go outside. Technology was not as advanced as it is now and the activities that I participated in are very different from what children now engage in.
As a child, these were my favorite toys: easy bake oven, bop it, and skip it.



My family supported healthy play heavily as I was a child because they encouraged outdoor activity and did not promote watching television all day. We were allow to go outside and explore by riding our bikes, or playing hide and seek, and me and my cousins would constantly take trips to the park. We constantly participated in sports such as basketball, baton twirling, softball, etc. Those sports also promoted play because they helped to build relationships with other peers and engage in an active activity.

Play is definitely different now than it was when I was growing up. Children are now so consumed with video games, watching television, and computers, and could care less about getting fresh air. There are only brief moments now that children actually get to actually go outside and be a kid. Play was an essential role in my life and helped me with socialization, emotional regulation, and engaging with other children. I know that these developments were not only healthy in my childhood but also promotes the same engagements for children in this generation.

Relationship Reflection

The relationships that are most meaningful in my life consist of : my daughter, my husband, my family, and my friend. These relationships require active communication, listening, empathy, and devotion. All of them are equally important and play a drastic role in my day to day life.

My daughter (Kenzi) has the greatest meaningful relationship to me. She is my mini me! Everything that I do she mimics and takes pride in what I teach her on a daily basis. I actively communicate with and I am sure to be a great listener! She is full of questions and exploring the "newness" of the world. It is not difficult to maintain our relationship and I have not come across any challenges yet BUT I know when she hits that pre-teen/teenager stage I have my work cut out for me.

My second most meaningful relationships is with my husband and my family. My husband and my family are the most essential voices of reason in my life. They always have a listening ear and keep me grounded. These relationships require my active participation and for me to be a great listener and confidant. They always give me positive feedback and assist me with my day to day necessities. I also provide the same support to them.

 

Last but not least my relationship with my friends. These are the relationships that require the most maintenance to me. Me and my friends are so alike and so different that it makes our relationship very interesting, lol. I love my best friends and they have been of great support to me through the time that I have known them. I also believe that I provide the same support and positive reinforcement.

 

My relationships with the people in my lives will have a positive impact on my relationship in my career. I think that my relationships have taught me how to be a great listener and that is essential in Early Childhood Education. My relationships have also taught me how to communicate effectively and provide a positive atmosphere.