How to help DD10 with self esteem and confidence? She hates herself :-(

[Rexthesnail]

My daughter 10 has SEN and is currently in a school which have admitted they are struggling to meet her needs. For a number of reasons, her self esteem is on the floor. She's currently only doing half days so I pick her up after lunch.

We should have time to relax, and I'd like to do a self esteem building activity in the afternoon before her sibling comes home.

Does anyone know of any good self esteem activities? I can buy things for it. She's got a reading level of age 7 as she suffers with severe Dyslexia so books need to be a big easier to read.

Part time timetables should only be short term aimed at reintegration, if this situation has been going on a while push the LA to provide alternative provision as well as part time school (or instead of if you don’t think DD can cope at school at all). DD is entitled to a suitable, full time education.

What about pets? Like another poster said horses (and in my opinion, dogs) can be the best listeners. My ds will tell me things out walking the dog that don't come out in the house.

Also just want to say you sound like an amazing mum and your daughter is lucky to have you.

@Rexthesnail

Has she only done phonics?

If so look up other strategies of helping them to read.

@YogaLite thank you. I try very hard to be thr best mum for her, it's just so difficult when I can just make it all better for her. She loves making things with fabric but doesn't know how to sew. I don't suppose you'd know there I can get a cheap beginners kit from? She's left handed snd can find small things tricky sometimes.

@Calandor I'd never thought of archery, ill see if I can find a group. I'm not sure they do one around here.

@Thatsnotmycar she's had a week off as she hit her worst and self harmed though she managed 1 half day. The part time table looks good, it increases at good intervals and tbh I think she will feel better knowing that she can go home if she wants after the morning.

@flowerycurtain she would love a cat, or a dog. And I've been thinking of getting a dog to become part of our family, I just want to research everything I can about having a pet and breeds and making sure I can afford insurance and vets fees. I'm thinking about a site like borrow my doggy? And thank you, im feeling quite down about myself and as a mum.

@TheHouseonHauntedHill no not just phonics they realised pretty quickly that she couldn't do them and it just utterly confused her. They've done different strategies with her and programmes and she has specific intervention for reading on top of what is already done being an SEN classroom.

Is that Nessy or toes by toe?

Good that they realised they confused her. Other poor students with dyslexia keep getting phonics thrust at them.

I am no expert at sewing, I do fairly simple things using some upcycled fabrics or small repairs/embellishments.

My next idea is to make a shopping bag from denim fabric from old worn out jeans...

My day has an so I relate to your struggles

Hi Op
my daughter is similar. Not sure if she has an EHCP? Worth fighting for that as secondary a very different environment.
My dd loves horseriding. Very expensive so we use it as a treat and encouragement.
shes done art courses before too.
music lessons although learns it all by ear rather than with music.
basically build on interests to raise self esteem
you sound like a lovely mum - your daughter is very lucky
best of luck - it’s a difficult road at times

Also archery. Trampolining. Swimming?

My dd also desperate for a cat or dog which we will do soon

Horse riding or equine assisted therapy can be included in the EHCP. As can other forms of animal assisted therapy. I know a few who have managed to secure an assistance or emotional support dog & training via their EHCP too.