The importance of building relationships

One of the most important things that we as teachers and parents can do for our children is to build good relationships with them. By consistently spending time with our children and showing an interest in them, they will learn to trust us as parents and teachers, naturally respond more positively.  We generally think of discipline as being strict and having punishment options in place, but if we look at the original meaning of ‘discipline’, we will see that it refers to teaching, learning and guiding.

Through the years I have found that there are two key ways to build a relationship with a child:

·         Spend time together

Spending time together should be purposeful. There are many different activities that you can do together whether in class or at home. Try reading a story together, building blocks together or playing a game together. Spending quality time with a child will give them a sense of belonging and will increase your bond.

 

·         Show interest

Show interest in your child’s life - their likes and dislikes, their friends, their favorite stories and their dreams and concerns. When a child feels noticed, they are more likely to open up and share their lives and hearts more confidently.

 

Make the time to get to know your child and to see and appreciate who they really are. You will be surprised at the difference it will make in your lifelong relationship.