smilesonly Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 activities that help dc feel a sense of control, help with low self-esteem, builds confidence, calms anxiety. i have heard martial arts and riding horses are good. are they? anything else? thx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmama Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 I have heard martial arts as well, but I am interested in learning about other ideas, too. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 swimming __________ :iagree: To be more exact, competitive swimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Martial Arts does come with a hierarchy. It isn't always nice so be careful when choosing your school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Martial arts if it's a good school, and horseback riding definitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 I was going to say competitive swimming too. Most of my kids have been involved in this, and I am always amazed and happy about how every type of child can be in swimming and feel good about him/herself, no matter what your skill, body type, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 My ds is starting tennis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 My ds with moderate to severe anxiety has improved a lot with martial arts. Boy Scout camping with canoeing, rock climbing, etc. has helped, too. At first, it isn't easy to be out of his comfort zone, but the boost he gets when he breaks through it is totally worth it. Between these two things, his anxiety has probably dropped up to 50% in general, though he still takes meds to help manage some of the day to day stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilesonly Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 i'm thinking martial arts may be good for my ds's anxiety, but i don't think at this point i would put her in martial arts-too risky. dd used to be a competitive swimmer, but is no longer interested in that. anyway, i am thinking for dd the activity needs to be non-competitive. i think.:confused: anyone else? i would love to hear about horseback riding.... thx:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 We use horseback riding. My son was in the program when we first met him (at age 7 1/2) and he continued for a few years until he got a dirt bike. My middle one started on her 3rd birthday and has ridden to various degrees every since. My youngest started at 5 or so and now is taking hunter/jumper lessons and has placed in pleasure and speed shows. We even bought our own "therapeutic" horses for the girls several years ago so they can ride daily in good weather. Horses are great as they don't care about special needs, who is friends who who, etc. Very calming, etc. as well. Just look for a good reputable place or ask for names of 4H leaders in your area that might have very calm horses and give lessons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 We have had success with our martial arts program. We found a very good instructor who let my oldest be himself and gently working on his issues (ours were self esteem and crying). He has been with this instructor for 5 years. In that time, he has made many improvements, including being able to speak to the class and taking instruction/criticism without crying. These are both huge for him! I agree that you really need to watch your instructors. We chose one that is good with kids and understands special needs. We have also found success with archery. We have a good indoor range that we use. It has taught my kids to be patient, calm, and focused. All around, a good sport! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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