We’ve all heard the classic RMT self-care tips: ice your forearms, stretch after work, eat a bucket of ice cream, get massages yourself, etc. I agree that things like that are beneficial, but one fact remains: giving massages is hard on my body. The amount of pressure that I’m exerting through my joints day after day wears me out. Sure, I could book fewer massages, but I need to put food on the table.

Then I discovered something wonderful: massaging children is less physically demanding. Kids require less pressure, and therefore I feel less sore after treating them. An added bonus is that kids a breath of fresh air, and freakin’ hilarious. So if you’re feeling burnt out and enjoy working with kids, you may want to shift your marketing to let people know about the benefits of pediatric massage.

I’ve been talking to parents about how kids are so touch deprived right now because of Covid. Kids need and often crave positive physical touch. They’re sitting more at school because of protocols that limit the amount of time they’re allowed to mingle with their classmates. This extra sitting can cause tension in their shoulders and neck. Kids have been very resilient during this pandemic but we can’t pretend that it hasn’t caused them stress. A massage could be just what they need right now.

Here are 5 tips for working with kids:

Keep the lingo basic. I know this sounds like common sense, but I’ve heard RMTs ask my 5-year old, “How’s the pressure?”. Kids don’t know what to say to that. Try, “Does this hurt when I do this?” or, “How does this feel?”
Start with some small talk. Kids can be shy, so help break the ice by asking them some questions like, “What did you learn at school today?”, “Do you have any pets?” or, “What’s your favorite thing to do after school?” Keep in mind that kids are still learning how to have conversations, so they might not ask you any questions back. Unlike adults, you don’t need to take this as a sign that they’re not interested in talking. Generally, I like to be a bit chatty with them for the first 10 mins of the massage, and then I allow them to relax and be quiet after that.
Be fun! I like to do silly things like “karate chops” (tapotement) before they turn over. I’ll say, “Alright, it’s time for karate chops!” They love it when I do this. I also say things like, “Okay, time to flip over like a pancake!”
Give them the option to keep their clothes on. Their comfort should be a huge priority, and some kids might be freaked out by removing their clothing.
Start with a 30-minute treatment. Most kids only need 30-minutes because their bodies are so tiny.

I hope you enjoy working with kids as much as I do. And as a side benefit, enjoy the break it gives your body!