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Kennedy’s Hippotherapy Success
Kennedy makes strides in her development through Rocky Bay's hippotherapy...
Samuel and Matiu
The Rhythm Rangers program at Rocky Bay is helping children form new friendships while developing self-regulation, impulse control, attention and movement coordination skills.
For young boys Matiu and Samuel, they left the program with a newfound friendship in each other.
Their mothers, Te-Awhina and Luisa were overjoyed at the benefits of the program and the impact on their sons, who had previously struggled to form friendships.
“Matiu is only the second child Samuel has found who truly understands the way he plays,” Luisa said.
“It’s made him more confident and comfortable in social settings,” Luisa said.
Samuel, who previously spent much of his time on a tablet, was encouraged by Rocky Bay therapists to focus, build friendships and participate in different activities.
Matiu and Samuel gravitated toward each other, drawn in by a shared play style.
“Together, they shared activities and toys,” Luisa explained.
“They enjoyed playing together so much that we, as parents, even arranged a day at the playground after the program,” Luisa said.
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Te-Awhina saw Matiu coming out of his shell 10 minutes into the program, during a moment when Samuel was having a tough time.
“Matiu just knew,” Te-Awhina said.
“He went up to him and said, ‘Are you okay? Come on, come join in.’ And then they started playing together. They swapped instruments, shared maracas, it was beautiful to see that understanding between them,” Te-Awhina said.
Luisa said as a parent, it’s so important to see your kids forming connections.
“We’ve even connected as families, sharing information and supporting each other,” Luisa said.
Te-Awhina said the program was not just a social outlet for her child, but it became a support network.
“The community at Rocky Bay is just like family,” Te-Awhina said.
“It’s not just about the kids, the support for parents navigating neurodiverse challenges has been a lifeline,” Te-Awhina said.
How we helped
The structured environment throughout the program was a huge benefit to the children.
“The whole space at Lady Lawley Cottage, the mats, the stretching, the running, the playing, it was all perfect for Matiu,” Te-Awhina said.
“The Program unleashed a freedom within my child I haven’t seen.
“It really was amazing because he’s never played like this before,” Te-Awhina added.
Te-Awhina has been a passionate advocate for the program, even going so far as to share her praise at school groups and community events that help fundraise for initiatives like this.
Luisa acknowledged every child is unique but believes Rhythm Rangers could benefit many families.
“It helps parents discover so much about their children,” Luisa said.
For Te-Awhina, the transformation in Matiu has meant so much to her family.
“He’s now got confidence, and that’s his person, that’s his friend,” Te-Awhina said.
“He’s gone from being clingy and quiet to having buddies.”
Summing up the program’s success, Te-Awhina added, “How different would life be if all kids were able to have a friend like that? To go to a group session and come away with such a rich friendship?”
“Seeing my son find himself, gain confidence and create real connections, it’s something I never thought possible.
“I have goosebumps just thinking about it,” Te-Awhina concluded.
The 6 week program was built on evidence based music therapy principles for children to learn how to self regulate emotions, improve impulse control, enhance attention regulation and develop flexibility and coordinated movement.
A few words
Seeing my son find himself, gain confidence and create real connections, it’s something I never thought possible
- Te-Awhina, Matiu's Mum
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