Building Bridges: The Power of Healthy Relationships in Early Childhood

01.27.26

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Building Bridges: The Power of Healthy Relationships in Early Childhood

Educators supporting young learners at a Scranton, PA child care center
WellKind School For Early Learners
WellKind School For Early Learners

Child Learning Specialist

Why This Pillar Matters: Building Healthy Connections in Early Childhood

Think about the people who’ve shaped who you are. Chances are, the most meaningful moments happened in relationship—someone who listened, believed in you, or simply showed up when it mattered. That’s the power we’re nurturing in our young learners this February.

Relationships form the foundation of a young learner’s emotional development and sense of belonging. When children learn to build healthy connections—with peers, educators, and family—they develop empathy, communication skills, and the confidence to navigate social situations. Strong relationships teach children they are valued, heard, and safe, which directly supports their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

Research shows us that secure relationships actually wire a child’s brain for learning. When young learners feel safe and connected, their brains are primed to explore, take risks, and develop resilience. Without that foundation, learning becomes harder. With it? Everything becomes possible.

This February, as we celebrate Friendship Day and National Hugging Day, we’re inviting you to lean into relationship-building at home—not as one more thing on your to-do list, but as the most powerful gift you can give your child.

WellKind’s Relationships Focus

At WellKind, we believe every interaction is an opportunity to model and practice healthy relationships. Our educators intentionally create spaces where young learners practice consent and choice, build peer connections, and experience what it feels like to be truly seen and valued.

Here’s what that looks like in our classrooms:

Consent & Choice in Physical Affection. We ask before we hug. We offer alternatives—high-fives, air hugs, fist bumps, waves. Why? Because we’re teaching young learners that their bodies belong to them, that their “no” is respected, and that connection comes in many forms. This builds confidence and healthy boundaries that last a lifetime.

Peer Connections Through Collaborative Play. Our Classrooms, and shared learning spaces are designed for connection. Young learners work together, solve problems together, and celebrate each other’s discoveries. They learn that friendship is built through shared experience.

Open, Warm Communication with Families. We see you as partners in your child’s growth. Through Brightwheel updates, parent conversations, and our Parent Partner Group, we’re extending the relationship-building that happens at school into your home. Your child thrives when school and home are speaking the same language of warmth and connection.

Celebrating Friendship & Connection. From our Friendship Day activities to our buddy bench in the outdoor classroom, we’re constantly reinforcing the message: You belong here. Your friendships matter. Connection is powerful.

Five Short Activities to Do at Home

1. Connection Check-In

The Setup: Each evening, create a moment—maybe at dinner, during bath time, or before bed—to ask one simple question.

The Question: “Who did you play with today? What did you do together?”

Why It Works: This simple question validates your young learner’s social experiences and opens the door to dialogue. You’re not interrogating; you’re showing genuine interest in their relationships. Over time, your child will begin to share more, and you’ll build a habit of talking about friendships and connections.

Pro Tip: Share your own answer first. “I had lunch with a friend today, and we talked about…” This models openness and makes it feel like a natural conversation, not a quiz.

2. High-Five Challenge

The Setup: Teach your young learner different ways to greet and show affection.

The Activities:

  • High-fives (classic!)

  • Fist bumps (cool factor included)

  • Air hugs (for when someone needs space)

  • Waves (simple and sweet)

  • Pinky promises (for special moments)

Why It Works: You’re expanding your child’s toolkit for connection. Not every child wants a hug, and that’s okay. By offering choices, you’re honoring their preferences while keeping connection alive. Plus, it’s playful and fun.

Pro Tip: Let your child choose their favorite greeting for different people. “How do you want to say hello to Grandma today?”

3. Feelings Faces Game

The Setup: Draw simple faces showing different emotions on paper or a whiteboard. Keep it simple—happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, calm.

The Game:

  • Point to a face and ask, “How does this person feel?”

  • Follow up: “When do you feel this way?”

  • Share your own: “I felt frustrated when… What helps you when you feel frustrated?”

Why It Works: You’re building emotional vocabulary and helping your child connect feelings to experiences. This is huge for emotional intelligence and for helping them communicate what’s happening inside.

Pro Tip: Keep the drawings simple. Stick figures with different mouth shapes work perfectly. The goal is conversation, not art class.

4. Buddy Bench Moment

The Setup: Create a cozy corner at home—a cushion, a chair, a blanket fort, anywhere that feels safe and special. Call it your “family bench” or “cozy corner” or whatever feels right to your family.

The Purpose: This is a judgment-free zone. Someone sits here when they need comfort, want to talk, or just need to be close to someone they love. No fixing required. Just presence.

Why It Works: You’re creating a physical space that says, “I’m here for you. Your feelings matter. Connection is safe.” Young learners will naturally gravitate to this space when they need you.

Pro Tip: Sometimes just sitting together in silence is enough. You don’t need to solve anything. Your presence is the gift.

5. Kindness Jar

The Setup: Find a jar and some paper. Throughout the week, you and your young learner write or draw simple acts of kindness your family did for each other.

Examples:

  • “Mom helped me put on my shoes”

  • “I shared my snack with my brother”

  • “Dad gave me a hug when I was sad”

  • “We played together”

The Celebration: At dinner or before bed, read them aloud. Celebrate each other. Notice the patterns of love in your family.

Why It Works: You’re making connection visible and tangible. Your child sees that kindness is noticed, valued, and celebrated. Over time, they’ll start looking for ways to be kind because they’ve experienced how good it feels to be recognized for it.

Pro Tip: Keep it simple. Stick figures, one-word descriptions, or drawings all count. This isn’t about perfect penmanship; it’s about noticing love.

Six Dinner Table Conversation Starters

Use these questions to deepen connection and understanding during family meals:

  1. “Who made you smile today? Why?”

    This helps your child reflect on positive relationships and what brings joy.

  2. “Did you help a friend today? How did it feel?”

    You’re reinforcing the connection between kindness and good feelings.

  3. “What’s something kind someone did for you?”

    This builds gratitude and helps your child notice when others care.

  4. “If you could play with anyone, who would it be and what would you do?”

    This opens a window into your child’s social world and interests.

  5. “How do you know someone likes you or cares about you?”

    This helps your child recognize the signs of healthy relationships.

  6. “What does it feel like when someone listens to you?”

    You’re building awareness of what makes connection feel good.

How to Observe & Support Your Young Learner's Relationship Development

What to Look For

As your child grows, watch for these signs of healthy relationship development:

  • Social Seeking: Does your child seek out peers or educators for play and comfort? Do they initiate interactions?

  • Emotional Expression: Can they express emotions (happy, sad, frustrated) using words or gestures? Are they developing an emotional vocabulary?

  • Empathy: Do they show interest in others’ feelings or needs? Do they notice when someone is upset?

  • Cooperation: Are they beginning to take turns, share, or cooperate in play? Can they work alongside others toward a goal?

  • Comfort-Seeking: When upset, do they turn to trusted adults or peers? Do they accept comfort?

Ways to Support

Narrate What You Observe

“I see you and Maya playing together. You’re both building with blocks! You’re working as a team.”

When you name what you see, you’re validating the experience and helping your child understand what healthy connection looks like.

Validate Emotions

“You seem frustrated. That’s okay. Let’s take a breath together.”

Never dismiss feelings. Instead, acknowledge them and help your child move through them. This teaches emotional resilience.

Model Healthy Relationships

Show respect, listen actively, and express appreciation—to your child and to others. Young learners learn relationship skills by watching you.

Create Regular One-on-One Time

Even 15 minutes of focused attention strengthens your bond. Put the phone away. Be fully present. Your child will feel the difference.

Encourage Problem-Solving

“You both want the same toy. What could you do?”

Instead of solving it for them, guide them toward solutions: take turns, play together, find another toy. This builds social skills and confidence.

Celebrate Social Successes

“You asked to join the game! That took courage.”

Notice and celebrate when your child reaches out, shares, helps, or tries something socially challenging. These moments deserve recognition.

This Month at WellKind

This February, we’re celebrating the power of relationships through:

  • Friendship Day activities that honor peer connections

  • Random Acts of Kindness Day explorations of generosity and compassion

  • Buddy bench moments in our classrooms and at home.

  • Collaborative projects that bring young learners together

We can’t wait to see the connections your child is building—at school and at home.

What relationships are you celebrating this month? Share with us on our Parent Network Facebook group!

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WellKind School For Early Learners

515 Fig St

Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505

Phone (570) 346-8719
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