Do you remember attending a baby massage class with your little one?
With older children, once they are weaned and potty trained. we might feel that they don't want to be touch anymore but many studies have shown the benefits of massage at any age. To name only one benefit, it is proven to increase dopamine (the feel good hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone).
Don't you like to enjoy a massage at the Spa? I sure do!
To be fair, my love language is "touch" so massaging my children and partner, or enjoying a massage is in my top 10 of connecting activities!
I have one child who likes to receive and give massage and one who cannot bare to be massaged.
Before you go ahead and grab your child, make sure it's something that he will enjoy.
During my training as a Yoga teacher for children, I was taught an easy massage routine based on the weather. I have recorded a video with my daughter to demonstrate this routine with the accompanying PDF to download.
More ressources to learn how to massage your child:
The author of the book has also a training and encourages teachers to practice massage in school. Massage in school has been proven to reduce bullying.
A fun and creative way to increase general well-being, improve concentration and self-awareness, and encourage relaxation in children aged 3-11, this book offers a hands-on guide to story massage. Central to the book are step-by-step, illustrated instructions for ten easy-to-learn basic strokes which are given through clothes on the back, head, shoulders and arms. These basic strokes have then been used to create over 25 story massages which vary in length and complexity. The stories range from traditional tales such as 'Humpty Dumpty' to hands-on learning stories such as 'Deep in the Rainforest.' The massages can be carried out by adults in one-to-one or group sessions, or taught to children to practice on each other. An enjoyable and interactive way of sharing the benefits and safe and appropriate use of positive touch with all children, this book will be of interest to parents and carers, bodyworkers, teachers and other school staff, care workers and arts therapists.
This practical and accessible guide offers a thorough overview of safe and effective ways of sharing massage, acupressure and reflexology techniques with your child at home. • Simple techniques and step-by-step routines to relieve common physical and emotional ailments • A self-help tool kit with suggestions for children to help themselves • Useful tips and advice on how to introduce your child to the benefits of touch therapies
Combining reflexology with delightfully engaging rhymes and illustrations, this book features easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions for giving basic reflexology to a child during a bedtime (or anytime) story.
A wonderful collection of fun rhymes and easy to learn massage routines, all beautifully illustrated to bring calm, relaxation and a positive tactile experience for parent and child.
Let me know if you try the weather massage and how your child likes it!
Take also my FREE mini-course with ideas of activities to stay calm and connected to your child. You will receive an email series with videos, links and activities to try at home.
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