Day 10: Respectful Relationships with Children

I consciously worked on building trust and secure attachments with the children. I engaged in meaningful conversations, respected their autonomy, and acknowledged their feelings. I noticed that children responded positively when their choices were respected, which reinforced the importance of responsive caregiving and authentic engagement.

What do 'respectful relationships' look like in your daily interactions with the kids?

During my placement, I focused on building respectful, warm, and trusting relationships with each child. This meant being attentive to their needs, listening to their voices, and treating them as capable and valued individuals.

👂 Listening Actively

I made sure to listen carefully when children spoke, responded with interest, and acknowledged their thoughts and feelings. This helped them feel heard and understood, which supported their emotional well-being.

🌟 Using Positive Language and Tone

I used gentle, encouraging language and maintained a calm and friendly tone when speaking with children. Whether giving instructions or having conversations, I aimed to be clear, respectful, and kind.

👶 Respecting Individual Needs and Choices

I gave children choices during play and routines—for example, letting them choose what activity they wanted to join or asking if they needed help before stepping in. This supported their independence and sense of agency.

🧒🏽🧒🏻 Encouraging Empathy and Kindness

I modeled respectful behaviors like taking turns, saying “please” and “thank you,” and supporting children in resolving conflicts peacefully. I guided them to consider others' feelings and supported inclusive group play.

🤝 Building Trust and Connection

I greeted children warmly, showed genuine interest in their stories and play, and provided consistent support. These small, daily interactions helped children feel safe, secure, and respected.

What specific strategies do you use to foster respectful relationships amongst the children themselves?

During my placement, I actively encouraged respectful interactions between children by modeling positive behaviors and guiding them through social situations (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2016). Some specific strategies I used included:

👥 Modelling Kind and Respectful Behaviour

Children learn through observation, so I made sure to model polite language, active listening, and empathy during my interactions. When children saw me treating others kindly and fairly, they were more likely to do the same.

🗣️ Supporting Social Skills Through Group Play

I encouraged inclusive play and helped children learn how to take turns, share resources, and invite others to join. I used phrases like, “Can you ask if they’d like a turn too?” or “How can we work together on this?”

🧘 Helping Children Manage Emotions and Conflicts

When conflicts arose, I supported children in using their words to express feelings and solve problems. I guided them with calm prompts like, “Tell your friend how you feel,” or “What can we do to make it fair for both of you?”

💬 Using Stories and Group Time Discussions

I used storybooks and group discussions to explore topics like friendship, kindness, fairness, and inclusion. These experiences helped children relate to different emotions and situations in a safe and reflective way.

🏆 Acknowledging Positive Peer Interactions

I praised and acknowledged moments when children showed kindness or helped a peer. Saying things like, “That was really kind of you to help your friend,” encouraged more of that behaviour.

What are some common challenges you face in maintaining respectful relationships, and how do you address them?

😔 Challenge: Children Having Big Emotions or Meltdowns

Sometimes children become upset, frustrated, or angry and may act out or refuse to engage.
How I Address It:
I remain calm and patient, offering comfort and space if needed. I acknowledge their feelings by saying things like, “I can see you’re feeling upset,” and support them with calming strategies such as breathing exercises, sensory play, or quiet time (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2016).

🧒🏼👧🏽 Challenge: Conflicts Between Children

Disagreements over toys, turn-taking, or group play are common.
How I Address It:
I help children express their feelings using words and guide them through conflict resolution. I encourage empathy by asking questions like, “How do you think they feel?” and helping them find fair solutions together (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2016).

🗣️ Challenge: Children Not Listening or Ignoring Instructions

At times, children may test boundaries or struggle to follow routines.
How I Address It:
I use positive reinforcement and consistent, respectful language. I give clear, age-appropriate instructions and offer choices to help them feel more in control. I also try to understand if there’s an underlying reason behind the behavior (e.g., tiredness, hunger, or needing attention)