3.1 Use examples to show how children can be supported in understanding the value and importance of positive relationships

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Use examples to show how children can be supported in understanding the value and importance of positive relationships.

Positive relationships are an important part of a child’s development. They help children feel safe, cared for and valued. These relationships form the basis for healthy social and emotional growth. In playwork, building and supporting positive relationships is part of everyday practice.

When a child experiences positive relationships, they learn how to behave with kindness, empathy and respect. They feel more confident in trying new things and in developing trust with others.

This guide will explore practical examples of how playworkers can support children to understand why positive relationships matter, and how this awareness can be encouraged through both structured and free play.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Children respond well when they arrive in a space where they feel accepted. A welcoming environment sets the tone for healthy relationships between staff and children, and between the children themselves.

Example practice:

• Greet each child by name when they arrive
• Offer a warm smile and friendly body language
• Provide spaces where children can gather in small groups to talk, play and share ideas

When children are welcomed in this way, they see respectful interaction in action. They learn that every person has value and is worthy of kind attention.

Role Modelling Positive Behaviour

Children will often copy the behaviour they see adults display. Playworkers can take every opportunity to model respectful communication and teamwork.

Example practice:

• Use polite language such as “please” and “thank you” when speaking to children and colleagues
• Listen carefully when a child speaks, making eye contact and showing interest
• Work together with other staff members in a cooperative way so children see good teamwork happening

By watching how adults treat each other, children begin to recognise what healthy relationships look like. They witness problem-solving, compromise and appreciation.

Encouraging Empathy Through Play

Empathy is the ability to understand how someone else is feeling. Children can build empathy through activities that help them see situations from another person’s perspective.

Example activities:

• Role play games where children act out different scenarios or “swap roles” with friends
• Storytime sessions where books feature characters dealing with conflicts or misunderstandings
• Discussion after play, asking questions like “How do you think that character felt?” or “What could they have done differently?”

These approaches help children see the impact their behaviour can have on others. They start to connect feelings with actions and learn the importance of kindness and care.

Supporting Conflict Resolution

Disagreements are a natural part of play. They give valuable opportunities to teach positive ways of managing conflict.

Example practice:

• Calmly approach disputes without taking sides immediately
• Ask each child to explain their own point of view
• Encourage children to listen to each other without interrupting
• Support them in reaching a solution that respects both parties’ needs

This method shows children that disagreements can be resolved through listening and cooperation rather than shouting or physical actions. They begin to value relationships enough to find solutions instead of walking away in anger.

Building Trust Through Consistency

Trust is central to strong relationships. Consistent behaviour by playworkers helps children feel secure and confident.

Example practice:

• Keep promises made to children, such as following through on planned activities
• Maintain fair rules and apply them equally to all children
• Remain calm and approachable even during challenging moments

When children can predict how adults will respond, they are more likely to open up and seek help. This trust becomes a foundation for deeper, mutually respectful relationships.

Group Activities That Promote Cooperation

Group activities give children a chance to practise working with others toward a common goal. These experiences strengthen bonds and encourage positive behaviour.

Examples:

• Team building games like relay races, building projects or treasure hunts
• Group art projects where each child contributes to part of a larger display
• Music or drama performances organised and rehearsed together

Such activities teach children to value their peers’ contribution. They see how relationships can make shared tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Celebrating Achievements Together

When achievements are acknowledged, children feel recognised and valued. This can boost self-esteem and strengthen relationships.

Example practice:

• Praise a child for working well with others during play
• Share group successes at the end of sessions such as completing a large puzzle together
• Use certificates, stickers or verbal encouragement to mark special efforts

Celebration shows children that success is more rewarding when shared. It encourages them to support peers and celebrate other people’s achievements.

Supporting Inclusion and Respect for Differences

Positive relationships depend on respect for diversity. Children need guidance in seeing differences as strengths not barriers.

Example practice:

• Plan activities where children learn about different cultures, languages or celebrations
• Provide a range of toys and resources that represent different skin tones, clothing styles and abilities
• Encourage discussion and curiosity about differences without judgement

These resources and discussions remind children that every person has unique qualities worth respecting. Inclusion becomes part of everyday play.

Using Shared Rules to Guide Behaviour

Shared rules give children boundaries for interacting with each other. Involving them in creating these rules builds ownership and respect.

Example practice:

• Hold group meetings to talk about the kind of behaviour that makes play fun for everyone
• Write the agreed rules on a poster displayed clearly in the play space
• Remind children of these rules during challenging moments

Children then understand that shared rules protect relationships. Respecting those rules keeps play safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Encouraging Positive Language

Language shapes relationships. Help children practise using positive words when talking to friends and adults.

Example practice:

• Praise the use of polite greeting like “good morning” or “hello”
• Support the use of encouraging phrases such as “good try” or “well done”
• Correct negative language gently and suggest more positive wording

By promoting positive language, children learn how speech can support rather than damage relationships.

Safe Emotional Expression

Children need to feel they can express emotions without harming relationships. Safe outlets for feelings help maintain trust.

Example practice:

• Provide cosy areas with cushions for quiet time
• Offer art materials for children to express frustration or joy through drawing
• Use emotion cards to help children name what they are feeling before reacting

This support teaches children they can be honest about feelings while still caring for others during interactions.

Valuing Listening as Much as Speaking

Listening is as important as speaking in relationships. Playworkers can highlight how listening shows respect and care.

Example practice:

• Play games like “pass the message” or “listening pairs”
• Model attentive listening when children talk
• Praise children for listening well to others during group discussions

This helps children notice the positive effect that feeling heard has on relationships.

Encouraging Peer Support

When children help each other, they strengthen bonds and see relationships as a source of support.

Example practice:

• Pair older children with younger ones during activities
• Encourage peers to offer help if they notice someone struggling
• Share stories about friendship acts from within the group

Peer support builds a culture where helping feels natural. Children learn that relationships can provide safety, encouragement and shared problem-solving.

Positive Relationships in Risky Play Situations

Risky play gives children freedom but also requires trust and cooperation. It is a chance to reinforce relationship values.

Example practice:

• In outdoor play, encourage children to watch out for friends navigating climbing frames
• Teach them to agree on turn-taking rules for high-energy games
• Support group decisions on stopping play if someone feels unsafe

Through these situations, children see that caring for others is part of play safety.

Reflection Sessions

Reflection encourages children to think about their experiences and relationships during play.

Example practice:

• Hold end-of-session circles where everyone shares what they enjoyed with another person
• Ask children to describe one thing a friend did that was kind or helpful
• Keep a “kindness board” where acts of positive interaction are displayed

Reflection helps children recognise relationship value in everyday moments.

Positive Relationships Beyond Playwork Settings

Links with home and school can strengthen relationship learning.

Example practice:

• Share achievements with parents and carers
• Encourage families to talk about friendship experiences at home
• Work with teachers to celebrate positive peer behaviour across settings

By connecting environments, children receive a consistent message about why relationships matter.

Final Thoughts

Helping children see the value of positive relationships is part of building their life skills. In playwork, there are many chances each day to encourage kindness, empathy, respect and cooperation. Using simple, consistent examples shows children how relationships make life better.

Children learn best when values are shown through action. The way adults speak, listen, celebrate and resolve conflict becomes a living example for them to follow. Support given during play can lead to stronger friendships, better communication and lasting respect for others.