Children from two to twelve have immense and varying degrees of development. To have a basic understanding of this is important, but most important is the willingness to be flexible and recognize each child’s individual level of development.
When teaching and massaging children in this 2-12 age range I always practice the five P's method:
Permission
Pace
Pressure
Positioning
Parents
Treatments for children can take about 15-20 minutes long, so it becomes important to include parents. Involving a parent means that I will teach you some gentle strokes and techniques you can do at home. For children in hospital care this can be very helpful to encourage bonding. Many parents feel helpless within the medical system, so by passing along something they can use will help them feel calmer and more relaxed, knowing they can do more to help out with their child's healing process.
"Children are more than just small adults. Physically, mentally, emotionally, they have unique needs, wants and limitations"
"Children are our greatest gift and should be touched with extraordinary care!"
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