Challenging our actions

Knowledge of childrens rights and experience in the field are two useful prerequisites to our being challenged to act in ways that further these rights. However, knowledge in itself does not guarantee a successful challenge. We need to reflect upon our own practices in an objective manner. In other words, before we can challenge the professional actions of others in any meaningful way, we need to first challenge our own professional values. We also need to think very carefully about the way that we can best challenge others to bring about the change that we desire. Our personal qualities and the values with which we have grown up influence the environment that we create for children and their families. Values are beliefs about what is esteemed and desirable. They are a reflection of our personal experiences and preferences, our cultural background and upbringing. They evolve and change as we gain more insights and understanding. Our values reflect what we believe to be important and acceptable, and what we are not prepared to tolerate. (Sebastian-Nickell, & Milne, 1997, p. 42) Each one of us is different and our values can be as diverse as our individual differences. In becoming a care and education professional, you will learn new knowledge and skills and, at the same time, be exposed to a new set of attitudes and values. These professional values underpin appropriate behaviour for a care and education professional. When considering our own professional conduct the attitudes that we bring to our work are all important. First and foremost we need to adopt a positive approach to our work, characterised by a respect for self and others. It includes showing integrity in all aspects of our work and requires us to accept responsibility for our own conduct. It also implies a commitment to our own ongoing change and improvement in light of current research and knowledge. (Tansey & Thompson, 1998, p. 2) Values will affect your work as a care and education professional in four major ways. They act as a foundation for: your actions, your role in socialising young children, your accountability as a professional to parents; and dealing with conflict. (Faragher & MacNaughton, 1998, p.204)