Massage makes a lovely bedtime ritual throughout childhood and into teenage-hood says Lucy Corkhill
Most of us massage our children when they are babies, in awe of their soft baby skin. Baby massage classes abound, and though these can be a great way to meet people and learn new techniques, they are not necessary to enjoying this bond with your newborn. Babies and their mothers and fathers all have a unique way of communicating, both through touch and verbally.
Cultures throughout the world and throughout history have used massage as a form of connection, communication and relaxation – it is something that comes naturally to a bonded baby and parent. Simply stroking our baby’s skin – using oil/lotion or not – is a form of massage.
But as our children grow and become wriggling little toddlers and then strong-willed youngsters, there is a tendency to rely more on words to communicate and less on the medium of touch. It’s usually when our children are ill or anxious that we remember the wonder of touch and how relaxing it is for both the giver and recipient. Touch transcends language too, so when our child is having difficulty verbalising their feelings, or simply doesn’t want to talk about something, loving touch lets them know that we are present and there for them.
