How to Massage a Child Throughout Development

Many parents comment, "My child won't stay still for a massage." As children grow and become active, you can easily keep up with their busy bodies and continue a loving routine of massage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be flexible and patient. Massage whatever part of the body is in front of you even as your baby insists on rolling over, sitting up or standing.

2. Understand that 5 minutes of daily massage is a long time for an active toddler or preschooler.

3. Establish massage as part of the bedtime routine to help your child settle down.

4. Respect a child's independence if he or she does not want to be massaged.

5. Include massage as part of a bath, when your child will at last be sitting still - hopefully.

6. Incorporate a story into the massage, one that can be continued over several evenings.

7. Understand that as children get older, they may be more sensitive about their bodies and not want to be touched.

8. Always ask your child if he or she wants a massage, demonstrating your respect for your child's right to say "no" to touch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you continue to make massage a part of a child's routine, he or she may return the favor one day and massage your weary parental shoulders. Not a bad family routine!