Last week a few students from WHS came to FLC Farm with their Paras for a volunteer work study program. At the farm we absolutely love having these students come and experience the work and the animals on the farm. That day was just a little extra special.
One of our Alpacas, Finn, who is usually very reserved as Alpacas are, was so curious about one of the students. He seemed to be "talking" to him silently the entire time. Never, in the last year that I have owned these alpacas, have they showed this behavior. He followed the student around while he picked up his manure and got close enough for him to touch. It was absolutely amazing. When I got the Alpacas I knew they would be helpful for guarding the farm from predators and also for their absolutely stunning fiber. The more I have been with them and researched them, I have found out more of their beautiful qualities. Some believe that Alpacas are the most spiritual animal of all. I believe it! They are so chill and just take it all in. They study you and they watch and learn and then watch some more. They are quiet and patient. They are loving and kind and they absolutely read you like a book. I see them now and it took me awhile, but they are so much smarter than I thought. Like horses, they are extremely inquisitive and honest. They are truly amazing animals. This encounter gave me goose bumps personally. My alpacas know who I am, I feed them! I take care of them! They allow me to touch them and allow me to pet them, but not with anyone else...except this student. It was beautiful to watch the connection and I know you may think that is strange, but it was a connection and it was a strong one! I still wonder what they both were thinking. It's days like that where I think about all of the hoops we are trying to jump through and how overwhelming it is, and then I realize that I have to keep fighting. I have to keep fighting for days like this and for moments that I will forever cherish and hope that the student will as well. Please take a moment to read an article I found.... "WHY CHOOSE ALPACAS AND LLAMAS" It is well documented that holding and stroking animals can reduce blood pressure, lower pulse rates and alleviate feelings of tension and anxiety. Animals offer attention and unconditional acceptance. They are responsive, live in the ‘here and now’ and don’t mind who you are or what you look like. Alpacas and llamas are intelligent and inquisitive but can also be reticent with humans who fail to give adequate consideration to their needs. They are usually direct and honest and unlike humans they are non-judgemental and don’t confuse through verbal communications. So are ideal for working with people who find themselves confused or threatened by human relations, many clients feel safer and less threatened around animals. Being with camelids can encourage our nurturing and empathic traits and, for survivors of abuse, offer an opportunity for ‘safe touch’. Benefits of positive interactions between people and alpacas are likely to include: Development of relationships and emotional bonds built on trust and respect Improved mood, morale and sense of self worth Better social interaction, reducing feelings of social isolation Relief from anxiety and stress (slower heart rate and lower blood pressure) The learning new skills - nurturing and caring for animals appropriately Self-esteem and confidence building Working alongside alpacas and llamas offers a different way of exploring difficult and sensitive issues as clients may find it easier to express their feelings and recount painful experiences. Where clients are suffering from depression, research indicates they also have the potential to draw the person out of themselves, either by watching, stroking or speaking to the animals, to focus less on themselves and more on their external environment. So rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems, they watch and talk to and about the animals; changing focus of interest and gaining positive attention, as well as pleasure in handling them. https://www.simplyalpaca.co.uk/therapy
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Horses not only are beautiful and majestic animals, but can help a child or an adult in ways we never realized! Article from Psychology Today by Constance Scarf Ph.D. March 10, 2016 My research is in the field of addiction, but a lot of the therapies and activities that bring health and healing to those who suffer from addiction also have applications to many other groups. Equine programs, from horseback riding to equine assisted therapy, have long been known to help improve human mental health. Winston Churchill was famously quoted as saying, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” Indeed, all sorts of people, from little girls to old men, have been captivated by horses. As it turns out, horses are particularly good for children, and have exceptional benefits for children with emotional or behavioral issues. Children with special needs can be challenging. Most do not readily trust adults; some even have difficulty trusting their own parents or caregivers. Children who have a background that includes abuse may be prone to angry or hostile outbursts. Cognitive therapies can help regulate behavior, but horses have their own, special charm. Horses are prey animals. As such, they look for a leader to lead them to safety. They are sensitive to nonverbal communication, mirroring the people (or other animals) around them. If a child acts aggressively or with anger, the horse will startle and retreat from perceived danger. This is a teachable moment, in which children can see how their behavior affects others. Similarly, children who are very shy or timid will not influence the horse. They can be taught to use their voices and bodies to greater effect, to stand up for themselves. These are important lessons in non-verbal communication that are as good for children as for addicts. Another important skill for children to learn is mindful attention to the present and diversion from thoughts of self. When a child is intently grooming, feeding, or handling a horse, s/he isn’t thinking about him/herself. Caring for an animal like a horse allows children to learn how to appropriately care for others and at the same time can be a release from the stresses of home. Even when vigorously engaged with barn activities, instead of feeling spent (and acting cranky) at the end of the day, kids generally feel emotionally refreshed. This is especially important for children going through stress at home, such as divorce, illness or death of a close family member, or a move. Care for horses also requires skill development. Children who lack self-confidence learn to be leaders and to recognize tasks completed well. Kids who are impatient slow down and anxious children find a sense of calm in the repetitive activities of cleaning stalls or tack, grooming, and preparing animals for exercise or riding. The horse barn is a relatively safe place to make mistakes. If you tip over a wheelbarrow of manure or spill water from the water bucket, these are mistakes easily remedied. If you spill some grain in the barn’s breezeway, your horse will even thank you! The horse will not be critical or annoyed by mistakes, but will patiently stand by and wait for its tickle on the chin or maybe a piece of carrot. Horse programming has many benefits for both children and adults. It can be an outlet for pent up stress or an opportunity to become more compassionate toward others. Horses readily give their hearts to their human partners and will take you for a ride that will change your life for the better. If you have a child, or if you’re a child at heart, find a horse program near you and start riding! Did any other moms feel like this short week was truly the longest week ever? Maybe because I work PT at school, I'm not sure, but man I'm tired and I can't really tell the farm animals...."hey guys I'm really tired today, so you can't eat!" The kids maybe, but the animals get a little upset!
Ok, next question...who has their Christmas tree still up, if you celebrate Christmas? Me, I do...plus all Christmas decorations as well. It's a disease I think, I despise taking them down. They are so pretty, bring so much joy and really suck taking down. Thats the real problem. But you can contact local resident Dawn Egan by text at 203-451-4964 with your address and her elves will take your tree! Please leave a donation that will go to Weston Warm Up Fund (anything is appreciated) in a baggie in your tree. Some high school boys will then pick up and there will be a community Bonfire on January 12th at 6pm at Emmanuel Church in Weston (in the back field) and it will be supervised by the Weston Fire Department. 10% of all proceeds go to the westonwarmup.com . It will be a great local night with light refreshments served and community around the fire!! During this very short but long week we have also been thinking a lot about offering different classes and the summer camps here at Five Little Chicks Farm. We will definitely be having 4 weeks of camps, and with the amount of interest, pretty sure we will add 2 weeks of full day camps for children 3rd grade and up! We are so excited and be on the lookout for the dates to be released. We will be also running a pre-camp special within the next week or so after dates are set. I know we are getting a little ahead of ourselves, but after a short survey on MOMS in Weston, it seems like the sooner the better for everyone!! We will also be holding speciality classes including yoga (no I am not going to be teaching it), mindfulness classes at the farm, Therapy classes for adults with horses to help with stress, anxiety and just everyday pressure of being the "perfect mom" , Young Living Essential Oils make and take class for kids and adults and even a baking class with the eggs right out of the coop! Those are our ideas for now....oh and POSSIBLY GOAT YOGA!!!! I have seen this on you-tube and its hilarious! We are waiting to see if our momma goat is pregnant and will have babies, so we can all enjoy them!! So, I am going to be a taxi to my five little chicks for a small portion of the day, get to these animals and not enjoy taking these decorations down but enjoy the next chapter and this New Year, it is going to be amazing. We have big plans ahead!! Have a wonderful weekend, XO FLC Farm Ok, so Im sitting here in my bed trying to get the last minute gift certificates done for FLC Farm. If you have not yet received yours and want one, I can still get these to you by the end of today and Ill hand deliver them to you! Remember that you will need to go to fivelittlechickdfarm.weebly.com and then click Education/Classes and sign up there. Please disregard the $200 price as I am still honoring the $150 for 4 one hours lessons and IF you got your information from a mom who already purchased this....please please let me know an they will get a free lesson!! Just shoot me an email of the name. Once you have registered you will then venmo us @five-little-chicks and send me your address as well. Personal Delivery will end today!! Happy Shopping and I cant tell you how amazing these Christmas Experiences are!! Please email us at [email protected] for ay questions at all! |
Five little chicks farmThrough my eyes....wife of ex Navy SEAL, 5 chicks (human ones), making Weston CT a home, starting a local farm that is also special needs friendly and still trying to get everything done daily. You know we as moms are under pressure....and don't be ashamed to share and chat about that here! All things kids, animals, how we should not get down on ourselves for not being the most "perfect" mom on the block, suggestions on how to use animals for children, essential oils on kids and adults, recipes, gardening and then when we have the time to work out....check out our workout plans as well! Us moms need to stick together and these are just a few tips to try and make things easier and be proud of ourselves! You can do this and "YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK" Happy Reading and I really do hope you enjoy the down to earth, nitty gritty ME. Archives
July 2019
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