Farmhands is a fun and interactive group program that promotes self-care through different activities relating to plant-care and animal-care. Animals can help children develop sensitivity to others, improve social skills and strengthen emotional recognition, whilst gardening provides opportunities to practice mindfulness and experience a sense of purpose and responsibility.
 
PROGRAM PURPOSE AND GOALS:
 
Communication and Interaction:​
The Farmhands program offers the children an opportunity to work with animals, which encourages them to practice verbal and non-verbal communication in a low-pressure setting, which is helpful for those who may struggle with traditional social interactions.
 
Modelling Empathy:
Animals provide a great avenue for teaching empathy, as children learn to recognize and respond to the needs of another being. This practice can gradually transfer to human interactions.
 
Emotional Regulation:
Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and agitation and while the children are learning to care for animals it will also help them to develop patience, responsibility, and other skills that support self-regulation, especially in challenging situations