I have ADHD but I'm an adult so I know that I need to leave reminders for myself and have a schedule so that I don't forget things. An eleven year old really shouldn't be owning pets in my opinion. There's a difference between calling an animal "hers" and having her actually take care of it.
I agree completely on this. I haven’t come across a single child that is taking care of a pet completely.
Well put. We have 3 dogs, (one is mine, other 2 are family dogs), and she is not the best at interacting with them. We’re constantly reminding her of better ways to engage with the dogs, and to back off when they show her they’re uncomfortable. Being her older brother it’s hard to find a balance between being cautious and letting her be independent. It’s hard sometimes, but necessary. From fish to mice to whatever’s next, we’ll be taking baby steps
That definitely sounds more like autism than ADHD in my opinion. ADHD isn't really lack of caring or awareness, it's more hyperactivity and being unable to control oneself. I have pretty severe ADHD, and I've known plenty of people that also have it, and I don't think I've ever met someone who was disrespectful towards animals because of it. When I was in elementary school, sure, but that had more to do with being a child than having ADHD. People can be jerks and also have ADHD without it correlating haha. I agree with the callous part, but most people would be actively trying to correct their behaviors, especially if it's at the expense of others. Autism is lack of awareness while ADHD is lack of control, if that makes any sense.
You summed up a part of the general problem in a nutshell. To the casual observer.... I asked a psychologist-occupational therapist about one person we had at the riding program. She fired back, male or female? Age? Apparent coordination? Aptitude? Spacial awareness? And the list went on for some time. Turns out ADHD can be the entire problem or it can be one manifestation of any of several other problems or a combination of problems. Inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivess, cassical ADHD symptoms, cannot be used as the main diagnostic tool.
I'd counter that by a farmers son who at the age of 10 was handed the evening milking duties of about 10 cows which he handled quite capably. Contrary wise, I'm always going to side with the animal - it's health and well being is paramount.
Pulling away from the ADHD discussion, I still stand by my point. The kid was helping out with the care - that doesn't mean he owns them or that he's their sole caretaker. It's the same with other animals: kids can feed the dogs sometimes and let them out and whatnot, but they should never be the only person taking care of the dogs. It's a parent's/guardian's responsibility to take care of that animal, not a child too young to really understand right from wrong.
I fully agree. A case in point was when I was ramrod at a pack station. Most of the horse owners were self proclaimed experts and a few were better horse knowledge educated than I. But I was the final word, and my say over-ruled all. Horses under my care will be fully supervised with the animals health first and foremost, regardless of the knowledge and capabilities of the owner. My final word was backed up by my counterpart who was a qualified large animal vet. A horse in a padded stall at a megabucks ranch is worlds apart from working a pack train in a wilderness environment. Supervision is critical. Knowledge of the animal is not enough. The environment and all peripheral factors must be taken into account.
I feel bad for my NintenDogs from when i was little. Going on no food for close to ten years now
That would be a lot of after maintenance...
Get something that she will care for and likes. If she gets some pet she doesn't want, the less chance she will take care of it.
