connection
Interacting with mutually positive or appropriate emotions
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More about "Connection"...
- When you see people together, whether 1-on-1 or in a group, you get a sense of whether they are connected, or really "with" each other and appear in tune. They are aware of one another and are present to one another. They tend to be in sync with each other, emotionally, whether they are both happy, sad, excited, serious, etc.
- The "X" of this dimension can be regarded as either negative/hostile or distant/detached. In the first scenario, the caregiver and child(ren) may be mutually in tune, but it is in a negative or hostile way. In the second, there is little to no connection between adult and child, evidenced by distance and detachment.
- The "Y" (middle) of this dimension can be regarded as either "mismatched" or "mixed" (some "X" and some "Z"). Two scenarios may put an interaction into the "Y" zone. Scenario #1: Children are excited, and an adult is somewhat flat, or vice versa. That is a "mismatched connection." Scenario #2: Adult seems to be in tune with some children, but somewhat indifferent to others; and vice versa. That is a "mixed connection."
- Mutual attentiveness, awareness, and 'in-tune-ness' are the core of "Z" in this dimension. Smiles and joyful expression are not necessary for a "Z" connection. Of all the dimensions, this is one where it may be easy to confuse individual personality/style differences with the essence of connection. It is possible that our own subjective, cultural lens can become a filter. A care provider or teacher can be serious, matter-of-fact, unsmiling, and non-physical, and still be very attentive to and connected with the child.
