28 Big Ideas: Positive Relationships with Families
Big Ideas
- Trust is the foundation of positive relationships. We can think of it as relational, structural, and/ or contextual[1].
- Early communication must establish open communication, by sharing needed information and by inviting families to contribute and collaborate.
- One way to consider trust is to ask, “Will they feel hurt, embarrassed, or criticized if they speak honestly?” If the answer is yes, then there is a lack of psychological safety and trust.
- We can foster positive relationships through high quality connections: short-term, positive interactions in workplaces. Three mechanisms build and strengthen high quality connections: cognitive, emotional and behavioral[2].
- Approach work with children from a place of inquiry. By seeking to understand, searching for perspectives that may contradict our assumptions, and asking sincere questions, professionals create safe, healthy, and positive collaborations that benefit children.
