What I Would Like to Learn

I would like to gain a further understanding of safely massaging young children who are not quite able to settle down and relax as easily as adults.

Points I would like to clarify are:

1) How to manage their irritability and be able to clam them down enough to begin the process of massage.

2) How to talk to them in a way that they understand and accept

3) How to manage time as they are more likely to become restless a lot quicker than adults

4) How to manage pressure and strokes as they have such small and more fragile bodies

5) How to ensure that they are enjoying the whole process

6) How to educate them on what is happening and how it effects them


Answer/Method

With children, it is best to start the whole process by constantly distracting them from being restless by explaining whats going to happen with a soothing calm voice.

Next and as the child settles on the table, explain each step, part and process and ask them how they feel their body is reacting to each process and give them feed back on why they may be feeling that way.

It's best to keep things simple when explaining what you are doing and not go into too much depth unless asked. Speaking in a slow, low, friendly, non threatening voice can help a lot. Be sure to pace your self and give the child enough time understand and be able to ask questions.

Not all children are restless so ensure you don't over do it with children who are patient as this could be offensive.

Because children have such small bodies, it's essential that you adjust your pressure on each child according to their development. For small children, you do not need to put as much pressure as you would on an adult. Sometimes, just the weight of your hand or your arm itself are enough. It's also a great idea to check on the preferred amount of pressure by asking the child on how comfortable they are with the pressure you are applying and if they would like you to adjust.

It is best to keep the massage session as short/long as comfortable for the child as each one is different and has different preferences.

Be sure to ask for feed back on how they are feeling as this could give them/you the chance to figure out when they have/not had enough as you get closer to the end of the session.

Remember that there is no fool proof way of ensuring that the child cooperates with you or prevent them from becoming restless.

Children will always be children. The advise given above are tips only on how to try to get the best out come. So if you fail in anyway, don't worry. Just keep practicing. It took me two tries to get my 4 Year old to cooperate. I didn't have the above tips to help me the first time round, but after using the these tips, I must agree that the most important thing I found in ensuring a positive outcome is to keep them in the loop on whats going on and to get them to interact with me by explaining and asking them questions on how they feel. Next thing I know, I'm being begged for massages by my 4 year old.