Positive relationships are closely intertwined with whakapapa (ancestors and descendants) and are grounded in these connections. A range of skills are used to engage in relationships and interactions that are joyful, supportive, caring, peaceful, and kind.
Children’s understanding of themselves and their connections with others develop in the early years of life and are critical for positive life outcomes. Safe, secure, responsive relationships with whānau and kaiako support all aspects of children’s learning.
A range of specific capabilities relate to the concept of children’s connected relationships and caring for others, including the ability to have positive and mutually beneficial interactions and form and sustain relationships with adults, peers, and children of different ages. Connected relationships and caring for others develop a spirit of sharing, togetherness and reciprocity that is valued by many communities.
Connected relationships and caring for others supports children to identify social problems or tensions and potential conflicts, and to take action to prevent or resolve conflicts. The everyday actions of working out how to share, take turns, work together, find solutions to social problems, or come to a compromise can support children in all their interactions, now and in the future.
To support learners from Pacific contexts, this concept can be explored from a Pacific perspective. 'Te Whāriki' (2017) incorporates ideas that “working together for the common good develops a spirit of sharing, togetherness and reciprocity,” and the view of wellbeing as “a multifaceted concept that encompasses the child, parent, ‘aiga and wider relationships.” An example in Gagana Samoa is Va fealoa’i ma Agalelei mo isi. Talk with your Pacific community to find out more about what the area of connected relationships and caring for others might look and feel like for them.
