The I always get the same question, ‘Isn’t massage for adults…why would a kid need a massage?’ Have you checked out our kids schedules lately? Almost every minute of their day is planned and they’re running from activity to activity. Do you remember all the free time you had when you were a kid? I was bored, most of the time and now I thank my parents for that. Free time to relax and unwind is rare today for children and so very vital to their development and happiness. For these reasons, I offer child massage therapy.
“Today’s busier, faster society is waging an undeclared war on childhood… But a half hour or an hour of quiet, restful solitary time during the day is restorative at any age, and a habit worth cultivating.” ― Kim John Payne, Simplicity Parenting
Reason 1: Kids need physical connection
Touch therapy, also referred to as child massage therapy, is vital to our sense of connection as humans. Kids are no different from adults in this regard. In fact, kids need more physical contact than adults to help develop their nervous systems and sense of connection with family and others in their social network.
Reason 2: Child massage therapy teaches kids focus
Our fast paced society is not built for children. They rarely get a chance to slow down and relax. A massage therapy session allows them 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted relaxation. Kids who have this down time developer better focus and attention spans. This is especially important for kids with impulse control issues or ADHD. They benefit from massage because it helps develop the parts of their brains responsible for these actions. Massage can also provide kids with anxiety a healthy way to cope with anxiety triggers.
Reason 3: Massage improves kids sleep
I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed how much better your sleep is after a massage. It’s no different for kids. If your baby, toddler, or even teen is having sleep trouble, a massage can help them sleep better. Therapeutic massage also helps children spend more time in REM sleep, the deep sleep stage. REM sleep is very important for almost every aspect of childhood brain development and where memory retainment occurs.
Reason 4: Relieves Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety isn’t something we usually associate with our kids, but unfortunately it affects many children today. No matter what the cause may be, a good relaxing massage with guided breathwork can help decrease these worrisome feelings. And if you have teenagers, you know they’re nder all sorts of stressors. Today’s teens have busy lives where they navigate all sorts of situations. A nice relaxing massage can be the perfect alternative therapy for a teen where they’ll get to let go of what’s been bugging them.
Reason 5: It helps us parent better
This may sound like an odd statement, but it’s true! When our kids get therapeutic massage, they are more relaxed, able to calm themselves, and communicate more effectively. I think we can all agree that it is easier to parent a child who is in a upbeat and cooperative mood. Child massage therapy might also be an opportunity to connect with your child about something important.
Massage isn’t just for adults anymore!
Therapeutic massage can benefit everyone, no matter what age. We spend lots of money on toys, sports, extra classes, and healthy foods. But let’s not forget the down-time for them. Most of all, as parents we all want our kids to be happy, healthy , and thriving. Child massage therapy can help in so many ways while giving them that much needed break. Remember to make sure your kids massage therapist is not just a spa masseuse, but specializes in therapeutic pediatric massage.
Alice Palmeri, LMT practices family centered therapeutic massage, including pediatric massage, in SE Portland at the Portland Pilatfes Collective and Wellness Center. She has been featured in Betterhoodpdx. She believes that children need time to unwind from their busy lives, and that therapeutic massage can aid many childhood concerns. Alice uses techniques to help children sleep better, relieve anxiety, improve gastrointestinal disorders, ADHD, and incontinence. Children of any age can benefit from bodywork as much as adults. Visit her at alicepalmeri.com for more in.
