My relationship with E has grown so much—from my second practicum to these last few weeks of my final placement. Today was the first time she came straight to me, wrapped her arms around me, leaned against me, and held my hand. It was such a gentle and genuine moment of trust. After the hug, she pointed to play with the baby toys together, inviting me into her world of play. My heart melted in awe.
This moment showed me how meaningful it is to build consistent, responsive relationships with children. E’s actions told me she feels safe, comfortable, and connected with me—something that has developed slowly over time through patience, presence, and everyday interactions. It reminded me how powerful these small, tender moments are in early childhood settings.
During naptime today, I had the opportunity to be the one sitting with the children while they settled in. B went under his covers right away and fell asleep quickly, showing how comfortable and secure he felt in the routine.
E, on the other hand, watched me quietly at first. She seemed curious—almost checking in to see if she could trust this change in her routine. After a few minutes, she relaxed, got comfortable, and eventually settled into her rest. It was a gentle reminder of how children look for consistency and reassurance, especially during quieter moments like nap. Being present with them helped support their sense of safety and belonging. It felt meaningful to know that the relationship we had built helped E & B feel safe enough to let go and rest.
Together, these experiences highlight how trust is built through consistency, gentle presence, and everyday interactions. Moments like these remind me why relationships are at the heart of early childhood education.
