My Connections To Play

My Connections To Play

Creative Play is a major part of my early childhood development. I was always encouraged to be physically active and to have a big imagination. I remember my family got a brand new television. 

My parents gave me the box in the living room so I could pretend that it was my playhouse. I drew

pictures on the inside of the box. I got a flashlight, pillow, blanket, and a baby doll. I was permitted 

to engage in my own free play using my imagination. 

I was given a lot of dolls. My grandmother used to teach me about swaddling, holding, feeding, and

caring for dolls. She would buy me toy strollers, cribs, a diaper bag, bottles, and clothes. She 

encouraged me to learn parenting skills for the future through play. 

Stuffed animals were one of my favorite toys. When I felt alone and/or upset, I used to pretend my stuff animals were real. I could tell my stuff animals anything and no would ever know what I said. I 

role played with stuff animals giving myself a outlet to understand what I was feeling. Overall, 

stuffed animals comforted me. 

Differences of Play

The perspective of play is different from when I was younger. Children were often seen interacting in

social and active games like tag, hopscotch, jump rope, and playing in the sprinklers. Play was much 

more social, creative, and depended on the development of imagination. Television, video games, and

the Internet have taken the place of social interactive games. The lack of face to face interactions 

inhibit some of the aspects of social and physical development. Some of these aspects are receiving

an adequate amount of physical exercise, reading social cues, and using their imagination. I would

hope that children can learn how to balance physical play and the use of technology. Childhood is a

very special stage of life. It is a stage where children have to chance to explore their environment and learn important life skills. In this stage, children are going through essential social, emotional, 

physical, and cognitive development. Unfortunately, children in the 2000's are pushed into

adulthood faster than children born in the 80's. I think that educators and parents should remember 

that every child develops at their own pace. Learning can be guided in a more holistic manner. 

Children naturally have a desire to learn but learning that is rushed can be very frustrating. My one 

hope for children is for them to enjoy childhood and take the time to learn about themselves. 

Relationship Reflections

               Trust, communication, empathy, and devotion are just a few traits that contribute to developing a strong foundation for healthy relationships. Interactions and experiences contribute to how an individual views themselves and others. Living in an environment where the above traits are practiced and taught allows the individual to seek friends and later love interests who possess those traits. My most influential relationship is with my daughter.

          I have a very close bond with my daughter that started from the womb. Feeling her move and seeing her in ultrasounds connected us  forever. She is cuddled and loved which promotes feelings of trust, love, and support. I encourage her to interact with other child and familiar adults which  introduces social development. Tatiana is an extension of myself.  She helps me to understand that even adults need to take stressful situations step by step. Her existence gives me meaning. I feel loved and special in a way that I have never felt before. Our relationship is reciprocal because we both benefit from our relationship. She learns from me and I learn from her. There are many lessons a child can teach an adult. The innocence of a child makes me feel peaceful and happy.

                 Some positive factors of developing and maintaining a relationship with Tatiana is teaching her what is normal and what is abnormal in friendships and other relationships. Guiding her down the right path also helps to teach her morals and values. Another factor is  teaching her what to expect in healthy relationships with others. It is also important to emphasize a strong sense of family, security, and understanding of social cues. She can teach me how let myself take a break.

         Some of the challenges are raising her in a tough world, allowing her to be an individual and make her own decisions. Another challenge is balancing time so that I can work, care for Tatiana, and maintain all of my responsibilities. My relationship with Tatiana strongly influences my ability to actively contribute to diverse populations. Early childhood education focuses on the idea that many families come from different social classes, ethnic groups, and religious backgrounds. Each of these factors influence the relationships between teachers and parents Tatiana loves to interact with everyone she sees and is always friendly. This example teaches me to listen and try to relate to others even if they are different.