Explain_the_Principles_of_Building_Relationships_with_Children_Young_People,

In task K i described how i would go about striking up a relationship with young people: As I hand mugs of hot chocolate to students I smile at each student, make eye contact and ask each ‘how was your day'’ conversations are brief until the hot chocolate runs out. Now whilst forced to wait I ask more open questions such as ‘what did you get up to today'’ or ‘what did you like about school today'’ or ‘what would you do with this space if we had all the money in the world'’ I ask their names and one girl in particular likes to chat. I asked if I could sit with them and noticed there was a pack of cards on the table. I sat near one of the girls and asked whether she’d had a good day. She had, so I asked what was good about it. She replied but didn’t seem very keen to talk. A couple of the boys were talking about chemistry homework so I joined in by saying that I recognized the words they were using but couldn’t remember a lot of the chemistry I used to know. I asked them to explain what they were talking about and teach me – they gladly did. I then suggested we could play cards, but the group decided it was time to leave. The principles here are to help young people feel comfortable by the facial expressions and body language you use. With young people it’s also important not to be too intense, this could embarrass them and make them feel uncomfortable. Young people will be very aware of what their peers are thinking of them so if possible engage with a group of young people so that they feel safe together and not singled out and vulnerable. As with any relationship it will most likely take time to build, so don’t expect a rapport to build immediately. Some will feel comfortable just chatting whereas others may prefer to play a game whilst getting to know you a bit a this will take pressure off the conversation and help to cover any awkward gaps in conversation. It is important to share some information about yourself that will help young people to relate to you, however be careful not to share too much or share information that is too personal otherwise the young person will feel burdened by this. Children Building relationships with children is different to building relationships with young people. Children will tend to be very keen to share whatever is happening in their loves with you. A good start is to ask them their name and share yours with them. To show your interest in them you could tell them how pretty their name is or explain that you have a friend/relation with the same name as them. Children deal better with specific questions eg ‘how’s your week going’ is too vague/big to tackle. However a question like ‘thats a nice blue sticker, did someone give that to you for something special'’ will give them something to talk about that is important to them. Some children will want to tell you everything that is going on in their lives as soon as they realise you want to listen. However others will be more shy. With a shy child it is important to show your interest without forcing them to speak if they feel uncomfortable. Be ready to keep a light conversation going and offer to sit down and read a book or join in an activity with the child. This will show your interested in them and help build up a relationship even if they are unwilling to chat to begin with. Appropriate touch can be important with young children eg allowing them to sit on your lap or holding their hand if you’re walking together. Adults Building relationships with adults is different again. Relationships are much more complex built on trust, respect, understanding and love. Most adult relationships will take more time to build than those with young people. There are many different types of adult relationship eg professional, colleagues, friends, family. To build a relationship it is important to show an interest in the other person by asking questions and listening to the answers. Also being willing to share details of your own life is important. A relationship between 2 adults is more mutual than that between an adult and a child or young person so it is more important to share your opinions and experiences with adults. Body language and facial expressions are important, as is appropriate touch. Eg in some circumstances/cultures it is vital to shake hands or kiss as you greet. Most adults will be nervous on meeting someone for the first time, to help dispel nerves make sure you smile! Humour can help to break the ice and help adults to relax around each other. In English culture in particular it can help to point out some of your own weaknesses / insecurities to put the other person at ease. Ongoing adult relationships are founded on shared interests, working together, trust and respect amongst other things. It is important to maintain a consistent character so that the relationship is based on integrity. As with any relationship it will be important to apologise when necessary and be willing to forgive when another adult wrongs you. Good communication through a time of conflict or disagreement can serve to make a relationship stronger.