Sue Scheff: Drop Your Reins Event – Peaceful Solutions for ADHD/ADD & Autistic Children Using Natural Horsemanship
by Sue Scheff on Jul 01, 2009
Drop Your Reins Presents Danielle Herb’s “The Experience”We togther will utilize the unique human-equestrian interaction in a collarborative endeavor to enrich the emotional lives of our friends by:
*Fostering self-confidence through nonjudgemental relationships
*Discovering self-reliance through doing
*Promoting self-esteem through healthy interdepedence
*Instilling pride through accomplishment
*Developing accountability through responsibility
*Encouraging enthusiasm for life through wholesome challenge
*Cultivating patience through understanding
Learn more and contact Danielle Herb at http://www.dropyourreins.com/about/
Tags: ADD, ADHD, Parenting, Parenting ADD, Parenting ADHD, Parenting Blogs, Sue Scheff, Summer ADHD Programs
Sue Scheff: Summer Activities Challenge – Education.com
by Sue Scheff on Jun 18, 2009
Education.com Launches 2009 Summer Activities Challenge
Leading website for parents encourages families to have fun learning together this summer, while preparing for the next school year and earning a chance to win LEGO® Sets or a Dell laptop computer.
REDWOOD CITY, CA – June 19, 2009
Education.com <http://bit.ly/summer-challenge> , a leading web destination for parents of school-aged children, has launched its 2009 Summer Activities Challenge to help parents keep their kids excited about learning during the summer break. All families who complete the Challenge will receive a personalized certificate of achievement and will be entered to win a Dell Latitude 2100 Netbook <http://bit.ly/EQKnC> or one of 100 LEGO Creator Mini Sets. To complete the Challenge, parents must register on Education.com and complete at least 20 Education.com activities with their kids during the contest dates of June 22 to August 31.
Education.com Editor-in-Chief Danielle Wood explains the company’s decision to host the Summer Activities Challenge: “Educators tell us that kids slip quite a bit academically during the three months of summer break. It’s called a ‘break’ for a reason, and no one wants to torture kids with spelling tests and math drills during the summer. But parents tell us they do want to help their kids avoid that summer slide.
So we’ve designed activities – for preschoolers, high-schoolers, and everyone in between – that are incredibly fun, but sneak in some education, too. By participating in the Summer Activities Challenge, families can spend some quality time together and keep their brains sharp during the summer. To kids, making backyard bottle rockets and doing secret treasure hunts will just seem like play, but underneath all the excitement, they’ll be learning, and even preparing for the new school year.”
Education.com has over a thousand activities – organized by grade level and topic – for participating families to choose from in order to complete the Challenge. Each activity takes anywhere from ten minutes to several hours to complete and the activities typically require basic materials that families will either have on hand, or can easily and inexpensively acquire. No matter which activities parents choose to do, participating in the Summer Activities Challenge will help their children stay sharp and have fun throughout the summer.
For more information about Education.com’s 2009 Summer Activities Challenge, including complete contest rules, visit http://bit.ly/summer-challenge.
###
About Education.com
Nearly 1.5 million parents a month come to Education.com to get the information they need to support their children’s unique educational and developmental needs, and to find ideas for how to make learning more fun. From kindergarten readiness to college prep, Education.com is the leading destination for involved parents. Often called ‘The WebMD of education,’ the company has teamed up with leading universities, nonprofits, and research organizations to offer highly credible parenting, developmental, and educational information. The site also offers printable activities, community resources, access to best-of-breed educational services, and SchoolFinder – a tool that gives parents comprehensive data on the nation’s 125,000 public, private and charter schools. Education.com was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Redwood City, CA. The company is backed by leading venture capital firms, Azure Capital Partners, TeleSoft Partners, and California Technology Ventures. For more information, please visit www.education.com .
Tags: Parenting, Parenting Articles, Parenting Resources, Parenting Tips, Sue Scheff, Summer Activities
Sue Scheff: Special Needs Camp
by Sue Scheff on Jun 11, 2009
Source: Connect with Kids
“I look forward to it all year long. I keep in touch with the people I meet there – it’s probably the best thing I do all summer.”
– Justin, a diabetic camper
Fourteen-year-old Justin and 15-year-old Katherine have diabetes, but their illness doesn’t keep them from looking forward to summer camp.
“From the moment I leave, I’m looking forward to next year,” Katherine says. “It’s such a great experience, and it’s just so much fun.”
They play games, go canoeing and perform in talent shows just like other kids. And that’s the point, experts say.
“There is nothing like for a child with cancer or a child with diabetes to get out of the car or get off the bus and come into this group and realize, ‘everyone is in the same boat as me, and I don’t feel different anymore,’” says Dorothy Jordan, who founded Camp Sunshine, a camp for kids with cancer.
She says children with disabilities get as much – and maybe even more – out of camp as non-disabled kids. They don’t just have fun; they make friends who understand their problems.
“When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t get over the shock that I was going to have to get two shots a day and have to prick my finger four times a day. I was just stunned and like, ‘who else has this?’” Justin explains.
Attending Camp Kudzu, a camp for kids with diabetes, helps Justin meet others who have the same disease.
Justin and Katherine are so excited about camp that they’re training to bike ride 70 miles – from home all the way to camp – to raise money for camp scholarships.
“He said my dream is that every child with diabetes should have the chance to go regardless of their ability to pay, and I want to do something to raise money,” says Avril Beckford Rowley, Justin’s mother.
Still, experts recommend that before you send your disabled child to camp, you should first ask some important questions: Is the camp accredited? Are the counselors prepared for medical trouble? Is the nursing staff equipped for your child’s challenge?
“You ask all the right questions, and if you can get the right answers, and you can have confidence in the program, it’s absolutely the right thing to do,” Jordan says.
Tips for Parents
For most, summer vacation is here. And many children are preparing for an unforgettable camp experience – and children with special needs are no exception. According to the Disabilities Statistics Center, an estimated 4 million children and adolescents, or 6.1% of the U.S. population under 18 years of age, have disabilities. And of the more than 12,000 camps in the United States, a large portion of them are designed specifically to fit the needs of disabled children. Whether your child has a learning or behavioral problem, a chronic illness or a mental or physical impairment, several camps are available to meet your child’s specific needs.
Why should your special needs child attend camp? According to the American Camp Association (ACA), your child can reap numerous benefits:
- Making new friends: Camp is a special place where your child can learn how to make a friend and how to be a friend. Counselors are trained to make sure that your child starts making friends as soon as he or she arrives, because camp is a community where kids work and play together, contribute and cooperate with each other.
- Enjoying a variety of activities: At camp, your child can experience tons of new activities – athletics, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature, boating, computers and more.
- Making personal decisions: Attending camp provides your child with an opportunity to make his or her own decisions. Limits and boundaries exist so that your child will always feel safe, yet your child will be encouraged to make good choices. Camp is a place to practice growing up, under the watchful eye of trained, caring counselors.
- Feeling good about himself or herself: Through the camp experience, your child can learn to believe in himself or herself and to develop the courage to try new tasks.
- Being part of a special community: At camp, your child will have the opportunity to interact with other children. The camp experience is based on the building blocks of self-esteem: belonging, learning and contributing. Your child will learn to cooperate within a group and to respect others’ opinions.
- Having fun: Spending time at camp will allow your child to take a much-needed break from his or her problems. Your child can relax and forget about everything else except having FUN!
The Respite Coalition of Illinois lists these additional camp benefits for disabled children and their caregivers:
- Reduction in family stress
- Reduction in risk of abuse or neglect of disabled child
- Enhancement of family coping abilities
- Increased feelings of well-being
- Reduced feelings of depression
- Revitalization of caregivers’ energies
- Avoidance of burnout for caregiver
Choosing the right camp for your child can seem like an overwhelming task. Experts with the National Camp Association suggest asking the following questions while searching for a camp that fits your child’s needs:
- What is the camp director’s age and background? How long has the director run this camp?
- What are the camp’s goals and philosophy?
- What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?
- What facilities does the camp have, and how convenient are they for campers?
- What is the schedule like? Is it a structured program or one that emphasizes a lot of free choice?
- What is the camper-counselor ratio, and what are the characteristics of most of the staff?
- What kind of staff training is provided?
- What percentage of campers return each year?
- What is the total cost of the camp, including extras?
- What are the sleeping arrangements, and what types of toilet and shower facilities exist?
- What is the swimming instruction program like?
- How does the camp insure the safety and security of its campers?
- What is the food like, and who prepares it?
- What is the policy about food packages, letters home, television, trips to town, etc.?
- What medical facilities are available, and what medical staff is on campus?
- Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?
- Will the director supply references?
- What happens when the weather is bad?
- How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?
- What kind of insurance coverage exists?
Don’t feel self-conscious about asking dozens of questions. A good camp will have paid a lot of attention to these parental concerns and should be eager to respond to them.
Once you find a camp that suits the needs of your child, the ACA advises parents to consider the following points to help prepare their children for a rewarding camp experience:
- Consider camp as a learning experience. This is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his or her neighborhood. It will allow him or her to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative and more.
- Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp, like what to pack, should be a joint venture, keeping in mind your child’s maturity. If your child feels like he or she is a part of the decision-making process, his or her chances of having a positive experience will improve.
- Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings rather than acting on what you think his or her feelings may be. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.
- Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp, either. The main purposes of camp are to relax and have fun.
References
- American Camping Association
- Disability Statistics Center
- National Camp Association
- Respite Coalition of Illinois
- Camp Kudzu
- Camp Sunshine
Tags: Parenting, Parenting Special Needs, Sue Scheff, Summer Camps, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Summer Camp Woes – Parenting Tips
by Sue Scheff on Jun 05, 2009
School is almost out or out in some areas – summer camp is opening soon! Be an educated parent! Great parenting tips from Connect with Kids.
Source: Connect with Kids
“The whole purpose of camp is to be able to go off and become more complete, well defined individual, separate from the family, to have a positive, fun experience and if that isn’t happening, then we’re kind of defeating the purpose of camp.”
– Terry Orme, Ph.D., Child Psychologist
“What do you want to take to camp, Chelsea?” asks Chelsea’s mom. “First things first- flashlight,” she says. She and her parents are planning her packing list for camp.
This year, 8 year old Chelsea is excited about going. But last summer wasn’t so easy. There were plenty of times when all she wanted was to go home. “But once I was scared, once I was crying when I was 7, for my mommy,” she remembers.
Many kids experience some form of homesickness and sometimes the symptoms can be severe including bed-wetting, excessive crying, and sleeplessness.
If those symptoms occur, says child psychologist Terry Orme, “Then you know that there’s a real issue with the anxiety associated with that camp.”
Experts say in those cases parents should talk with the camp counselor and if they agree the child is not adapting well it may be time to bring them home.
“The whole purpose of camp is to be able to go off and become more complete, well defined individual, separate from the family, to have a positive, fun experience,” explains Orme, “and if that isn’t happening, then we’re kind of defeating the purpose of camp.”
Chelsea’s mom found ways to ease her daughter’s anxiety. First, she encouraged Chelsea to have occasional sleepovers at friend’s houses.
And, second, she visited the camp herself and walked around it with her daughter.
“So you don’t want to just go from where the child has only been in the house, in his room for six years and never anywhere else, to a month at camp, that’s too big a jump,” says Orme.
With the help of her parents, Chelsea conquered her first fear: going to camp. And once she got there, she conquered her second: the climbing wall the kids call “the beast.”
“And then you’re like very proud of yourself and stuff,” says Chelsea.
Tips for Parents
More and more summer camps are now inviting parents to camp with their child. The International Riding Camp in New York offers a mother-daughter week as an “ideal way for the young, first time camper to experience summer camp.”
But, is having a parent along really “ideal?”
Some children benefit from some time away from mom and dad. The American Camping Association, (ACA) says that camping provides opportunities for children to experience healthy, successful separation from parents. This, in turn, helps children discover who they are and to recognize their strengths. The National Camp Association points out that camping provides the opportunity for children to develop interpersonal skills and to become more responsible and independent. Having a parent along could interfere with a camper’s ability to get the most out of the camping experience.
Although it can be difficult for a child to separate from his parents, it can be even more so for the parents. The ACA has some coping tips for children and parents:
- If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so that your child will be familiar with the surroundings.
- Consider arranging for a first time camper to attend with a close friend, relative, or camp “buddy.”
- Do not tell your child in advance that you will “rescue” him from camp if he doesn’t like it.
- Discuss what camp will be like well before your child leaves, acknowledging feelings. Consider role-playing anticipated situations such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
- Send a letter to your child before camp begins so she will have a letter waiting for her arrival.
- Allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed animal and/or picture as a reminder of home.
If your child experience adjustment problems, such as homesickness, the ACA has the following recommendations:
- Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain her perception of your child’s adjustment.
- Resist the temptation to “rescue” your child.
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings and communicate your love.
- Support your child’s efforts to work out the problems with the help of the camp staff.
- Remind him, if necessary, that he has made a commitment.
- Trust your instincts: If, after a reasonable amount of time and effort, your child is truly miserable and has not adjusted to camp life, allow the child to return home.
References
- American Camping Association
- International Riding Camp –New York
- National Camping Association
Tags: Parenting, Sue Scheff, Summer Camps
Sue Scheff: CHEERS Ranch – ADHD Program for Kids and Teens
by Sue Scheff on Jun 04, 2009
CHEERS means: Children Horses Emotional Enrichment Ranch/Stable
Welcome to Northern Florida, beautiful and full of fun and sun! CHEERS Ranch and Danielle Herb have come together to offer an educational and fantastic program in the month of June.
Danielle Herb is coming to CHEERS Ranch do 2 clinic’s in June with her program - ” Autism Day” June 25-26th and “DropYourReins” June 26-28th!!!
WHAT: The ADHD Horse Level 1 Master Class is an exciting new weeklong program developed by Danielle Herb and Drop Your Reins to help you manage your ADD/ADHD using natural techniques and without the need for prescription drugs.
WHO: Children Diagnosed with ADHD/ADD Aged 10-16
Contact Danille for more information at http://www.adhdkidsscholarship.com/ or http://www.danielleherb.com/
WHEN: June 21-28, 2009
WHERE: CHEERS Ranch
Tags: ADD, ADHD, Autism, Parenting, Parenting ADHD, Sue Scheff, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Summer Camp Jobs
by Sue Scheff on Jun 01, 2009
For more information about how this site can work for you, click here.Camp Directors “Owners & Program Directors” love our automated process for sending the best possible camp counselors.
Applications directly e-mailed to you! (no time consuming searches)
Unlimited Job Postings
To see how Mysummers can be put to work for you, review our Benefits for Camp Directors.If you have any questions or comments please contact us.
Sue Scheff: Florida Summer Program for ADD/ADHD Kids
by Sue Scheff on May 30, 2009
Wow, Danielle Herb (check out her video) offers an amazing program for kids with ADD/ADHD as well as helping kids overcome their fears. Since I am in Florida, I am always asked about programs here and honestly, there are not that many. Well, not many in my opinion – if you know my story and my organization, I am a bit on the picky side.
Attention Children (Aged 10-16) With ADHD/ADD:
Horse Kid Scholarship 2009 for Danielle Herb’s ADHD Horse
Level 1 Master Class 21st – 28th June 2009- Visit http://www.adhdkidsscholarship.com/
Start Your Summer In Florida With Danielle Herb, The ADHD/ADD Natural Horsemanship Coach
WHAT: The ADHD Horse Level 1 Master Class is an exciting new weeklong program developed by Danielle Herb and Drop Your Reins to help you manage your ADD/ADHD using natural techniques and without the need for prescription drugs.
WHO: Children Diagnosed with ADHD/ADD Aged 10-16
WHEN: June 21-28, 2009
WHERE: North Florida- Cheers Ranch – http://cheerhorseranch.com/
By taking part in this Master Class you will discover:
- How to manage energy in Positive and Peaceful ways by allowing the horse to mirror you.
- How to improve your grades by developing a natural ability to focus.
- How to easily plan and manage your diet for natural, positive affects.
- ADHD Horse Level 1 Coach Certification, allowing you to help other young people (worth $2499)
- Lodging and Meals for the duration of the Master Class
- A exclusive swag bag filled with books, music, DVD’s and services that will help you
- You will gain life skills which will help you to control your ADHD/ADD
Sign up today at http://www.adhdkidsscholarship.com/
Tags: ADD, ADHD, At Risk Teens, Florida Summer Programs, Horse Programs, Parenting ADD, Parenting ADHD, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Teens Learning to Drive Safely
by Sue Scheff on May 13, 2009
As summer is approaching, there are many parents that have their teens turning 15 or 16 years old and getting ready for their first big step into adulthood – driving a car! I remember these days vividly – and the stress that I had was not what I expected. With each teen it is so different – as much as my daughter wanted to get her permit ASAP – my son could care less and didn’t get his license until he was 17 almost 18 years old. I hear this from many parents – some teens are over anxious, others show no desire. No matter where your teen fits in, be prepared and help them to learn how to drive safely. Today there are more options to help us as parents to teach our teens. Take the time to see if they are right for you.
Calming the Fears of Parents with I DRIVE SAFELY’s Online Drivers Education
If you’re a parent, the number ‘15’ is probably a lot more significant to you than other adults, because in most states, it signifies the age when a teenager can start the process of getting their learner’s permit. If you’re terrified by the thought of your teenager behind the wheel, relax: we’re here to help.
Our I DRIVE SAFELY online Drivers Education (http://teen.idrivesafely.com/?COUPON=CEBLOG ) website provides you with tons of important information about teen driving, and includes everything from helpful steps to guide your teen through the process of getting their learner’s permit to a Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract.
Parent’s Guide for Teenage Driving
It’s completely normal to have reservations about your teen learning to drive (it’s hard enough for them to handle keeping their room clean), which is why we created our site. We want to do more than just offer the best online driver’s education course; we want to provide you, the parent, with helpful guides and resources to help ease your fears and bring a level of normalcy when it comes to your teenager driving.
Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract
One of our most beneficial features is our I DRIVE SAFELY Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract. Once your teen begins to drive, it is important that rules are established in order to help keep them as safe as possible on the road. Our I DRIVE SAFELY Parent -Teen Safe Driving Contract will help reduce the number of ‘driving disagreements’ between you and your teen by allowing you to pull the ‘you signed the contract’ card. And, you can edit the contract so it suits your family’s needs. To download our Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract, log onto http://teen.idrivesafely.com/signup/displayStateSelection.pl?COUPON=CEBLOG , select your state and navigate to the Driving Contract page.
Helpful Hints
When it comes to your teen learning to drive, try to remember that you are actually your teen’s primary driver’s ed instructor. Once they have completed their classes and have their learner permit, they will be learning to drive with/from you. If the thought of this is starting to cause you stress and anxiety, then you will probably want to visit our http://teen.idrivesafely.com/?COUPON=CEBLOG site and read our hints and techniques for teaching your teen s how to drive. If you still have questions, our Customer Support Team is available to help you 24/7.
We want you and your teen have the best experience possible when learning to drive, and http://teen.idrivesafely.com/?COUPON=CEBLOG is designed to help you every step of the way. Our site can help put your mind at ease when it comes to your teen driving, which will allow you to start focusing on the next major milestone in their lives: college applications and graduation. Happy driving!
Tags: parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Sue Scheff, Teen Driver Education, Teen Drivers
Sue Scheff: SUMMER CAMPS
by Sue Scheff on Apr 29, 2009
Can you even believe that summer is just about here? May 1st is only days away – so are you still looking for a summer camp or program for your teen or tween?
Summer camps can be a great self esteem building opportunity for many kids. If you are still considering summer programs for your child – here are some ideas for your consideration.
Camp Finders® is a free service which matches children ages 6-18 with appropriate overnight summer camps and teen programs.
Since 1994, Camp Finders® has personally visited approximately 175 sleepaway camps and various teen programs. During this time period, Camp Finders™ has been placing children in overnight camps and in the following teen programs: teen tours; wilderness camps & outdoor adventure; college enrichment; community service; sailing, SCUBA, & marine biology programs; foreign language programs and more… Visit www.campfinders.com.
Sanborn Western Camps
http://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/
http://sanbornwesterncamps.blogspot.com
Since 1948, Sanborn Western Camps have been creating outdoor experiences of exceptional quality and depth. Our fun, relaxed atmosphere and caring staff provide a supportive environment for individual growth in self-confidence, independence, and awareness of others. Each child’s contributions are valued in a community based on mutual respect and shared adventures.
Call Parent’s Universal Resource Experts or email at www.helpyourteens.com – for more information. A Leadership Summer program has been a wonderful experience for many kids!
Tags: Sue Scheff, Summer Camps, Teen Self Esteem
![[Valid RSS]](valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")