Inquiry project

Lara Eldessouki
 Inquiry
How does the formation of relationships
affect a child’s ability to develop trust and
a sense of security?
Why?
This is a social and emotional related question of development. I chose
it because I’m interested to see how quick a child may adapt to
one after seeing and playing with them once a week. It would be
some type of experiment to see how each week the child might be
able to show kindness.
Evidence on the question
#1 #2
Spending time Emotional
playing together availability and
sends the child a presence promote
message, that they trust within these
are important. This relationships.
message makes Structured
them feel like they relationship setup
fit in, start to get system allows
comfortable. these relationships
to thrive.
Evidence on the question
#3
Attachment theory suggest that
secure attachments formed in
early childhood serve as a
secure base from which children
can explore the world knowing
they have a safe “haven” to
return to for comfort and
support.
#4
Children who have positive
relationships with their caregivers
tend to have higher self-esteem
and better emotional regulation,
which contribute to a sense of
security and trust n themselves
and others.
 Observational evidence on
my little buddy
My little buddy Azariah is an energetic girl who likes taking control; she prefers to do things independently.

We played a little game on the first visit to get to know each other. After every question, I would give her a
smartie candy associated with the question's colour. We didn't get to follow the game's rules because she
only wanted to eat the smarties and not speak. I didn't really get to know her that day. Azariah's preference for
receiving smarties instead of engaging in conversation may indicate hesitancy or discomfort in forming
connections.

One of the first few times, we had a paper mâché activity. The kids had to draw a shape on paper; Azariah
decided on a heart. I let her do it independently; as her buddy, I was supposed to help her take the paper
drenched in water, glue it, and shape it into her drawing. I was about to go get the paper because she might
Azariah drop it. She told me she wanted to get it herself, so I let her. On her way back, she dropped it and told me to
clean up and get more. Azariah's reluctance to accept my assistance and her insistence on doing things
independently is her continuing to reflect a desire for autonomy and control. She kept making it too thin, and
I'd tell her, but she pushed my hand away. I could sense that she was uncomfortable; she would leave every
few minutes to talk to her friend.

During the Santa letter opening and the subsequent bingo game, she became more talkative and allowed
me to participate actively. This change suggests a growing comfort level and an increasing trust in the
relationship. She may have given me a sense of security and openness.
SOURCES
● “Relationships and Child Development.” Raising Children Network, 4 June 2018,
raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/development/understanding-development/relationships-
development.
● “Relationships - Help for Early Years Providers - GOV.UK.” Help-For-Early-Years-
Providers.education.gov.uk, help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/personal-social-and-
emotional-development/relationships#:~:text=Children%20learn%20best%20when%20they.
● “Introduction to Children’s Attachment.” Nih.gov, National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence (NICE), Nov. 2015,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK356196/#:~:text=Attachment%20behaviour%20allows%20the
%20infant.
● “Parents and Caregivers Are Essential to Children’s Healthy Development.” Apa.org, 31 Mar.
2009, www.apa.org/topics/families/parents-caregivers-kids-healthy-
development#:~:text=They%20offer%20love%2C%20acceptance%2C%20appreciation.