Our kids can struggle. They have a hard time in school. They have a hard time at home and they have a hard time with relationships. We have to keep after them to get even simple daily tasks done. They feel overwhelmed. We feel overwhelmed. Everyone can lose unless we come up with strategies that work!
One of the biggest things that can happen is that we become so focused on all the ‘negative’ things that self-esteem and self-confidence suffer. Our kiddos begin to see themselves as ‘bad’ and incapable of doing things well. They may have few friends. Heck kids know when another kid is always in trouble. The truth is, we are happy when our kids avoid ‘trouble makers’! How sad is that?
This great article KQED/NPR article talks about the 5 strengths we can help our children develop that will help them minimize the struggles of ADHD.
I love the ‘Five C’s method — self-Control, Compassion, Collaboration, Consistency and Celebration…’ that is spelled out here! And guess what? We work on all these areas in our work with horses!
Our client’s learn to keep their energy down so that they do not worry their horses. They build caring, bonded and mutually respectful relationships with their horse and the Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) that they work with.
They learn that sometimes they need help and how to ask for it and accept it with good grace. They learn that horses like it best when we are ‘firm, fair and consistent’ in the way we work with them AND we always celebrate achievements!
Work with horses can help with so many issues. ADHD is one of them. If you know a child or teen who is struggling, we are here to help. Call or email and we will schedule a time for you to visit the ranch. We will show you around, introduce our wonderful herd, learn more about what you are dealing with and share how we might be able to help.