Relationships Reflections

There are many people who have influenced, encouraged and we have built positive, relationships. If I name all of them I think I would be writing a book. With that said I will only name a few: My father- My father is the man I always looked up to and always said when I grow up I want to find a husband that have the same qualities as him. I think we build a relationship when I was a baby. We have incorporated a real father-daughter relationship. Not only is he very protective of my sister and I but he taught us how to respect ourselves, how to be patience, and that we could do anything we wanted as long as we put our mind to it. He is a people person, everyone in town knows him, and he doesn’t meet a stranger. He is my inspiration, and is always there to give me encouraging words even if they are words that I don’t want to hear, but I know it is best for me. I love my father and will talk to him if I have an issue way before I would talk to my mom. Although he was a farmer, he made sure that he provided for our family and when the crops didn’t do well he did all kinds of odd jobs in order for my mom, sister and I had everything we needed for school etc. He grew up on a farm and they didn’t have a lot so each Christmas his grandmother would give them a shoe box with fruit, nuts, and candy and they were very appreciated to get it. This is also a tradition that he still does today in remembrance of his grandmother and to show us that it is the little things that count. We can maintain our relationship by listening to each others issues, words of encouragement and telling each other that we love them. My mother-My mother is a humble and very religious lady that taught us how to become a lady, as well as the principle that women can do anything that men can do. She taught us how to become independent, how to make it for ourselves, and never to depend on anyone for anything. She took us to Sunday school and Church each Sunday, which aided us with a positive up bringing. Eventhough we have many disagreements, about what she thinks is best for me, I still love her, and we have a very close and tight bond. She is very family oriented; she is the type that thinks we should all be together for every holiday, and if we decided to go elsewhere she will let us know that she isn’t happy about the situation. We can maintain our relationship my communicating and telling each other we love them. My sister-My sister is 9 years older than me, and when I hit the teenage years it was more like she was my mom instead of my sister. I love her and we have a very tight bond. We communicate everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times a day, providing and receiving advice on certain situations. Like my mom, she is also very family oriented and stays busy and on the go. She is a single mother of 2 teenager girls, a high school assistant principal, a wedding planner, a beautician, the president of the family reunion both my mom’s and dad’s, is an active member in her sorority AKA, etc. I could go on and on. She is my motivation, when I don’t think I can’t do it anymore I call or look at her situation and say if she can do it so can I. We can maintain our relationship with each other by staying honest and keeping the line of communication open. My Children-My 8 year old son, and my 2 year old daughter, are my inspiration. Many people say that my kids have been here before or they have the souls of older people, which means some of the things they say and do are things that elderly people world do or say, positive things and words of encouragement. I wouldn’t give anything for those 2. They are both friendly and never meet strangers like my dad. They both have great hearts and have learned to appreciate the little things, and never to take anything for granted. I love those 2 and when I feel like giving up I just look at them and say I have to do it so I can better myself for my children. I maintain this positive, healthy relationship with my older son, by providing him with words of encouragement before and after school along with hugs and letting him know that it is ok to make mistakes, I also support him in school as well as outside activities, basketball/baseball practices as well as games. For my 2 year old we spend time together, reading, drawing, writing, play games etc. We also visits libraries, science centers, fairs, and have many family outings. I hope to keep an open line of communication open between my students, and their families. I want to learn more about both the students and family in order to best meet the needs of each. I would also have diversity nights or days were students and parents are capable of showing or putting on display their traditions and the things that are important to their families. This way students and families will be capable of learning about each other and their thoughts and beliefs.