A few minutes of gentle touch through baby massage can already be a wonderful moment of calm. Discover why massage can be enjoyable for children and try my favorite pumpkin soup massage step by step.
Children's massage at home doesn't have to be complicated at all.
A gentle back massage of a few minutes can already be a nice moment to slow down together. You don't need special massage techniques. Follow your child, keep it playful, and always stop when your child indicates they've had enough.
Can you feel it too?
Home children's massage doesn't have to be complicated at all. A few minutes of gentle touch can be a lovely moment to slow down together. No special techniques, no oil, no mini-spa in your living room. 😉
And honestly? This pumpkin soup massage is still a favorite here at home.
He comes from our Halloween Yoga & Meditation Bundle and is perfect for those days when there's just a little more energy flying around the house.
Because Halloween is fun.
But also: costumes, candy, excitement, hustle and bustle, stimuli… 🎃😅
From sweet little pumpkin to little monster in record time? We know the feeling.
And that's exactly why I love these kinds of little rituals.
Not to suddenly make your child "zen".
But to slow down for a moment. To touch. To laugh. To feel. To be together.
Why massage can be so beneficial for children
Children receive an enormous amount on an ordinary day.
School. Sounds. Other children. Sports. Screens. Expectations.
All those impressions need to land somewhere. A calm massage can then become a very simple transition moment.
From busy to calm.
From doing to feeling.
From everyone in their own world to together for a while.
Research shows positive effects of massage on anxiety and tension in children. The results vary by effect. Massage is of course not a miracle cure. PubMed
For young children, there is also research indicating positive effects on parent-child bonding and well-being. PubMed Central (PMC)
But for me, the real strength often lies in something very simple:
💡 ATTENTION
No screen.
No rush.
No "come on, we need to go.".
Just time together.
Why I loved using massage with children
When I worked with children with extra support needs, I regularly used playful massage exercises.
- Not every child wanted to lie still.
- Not every child liked the same touch.
And that wasn't necessary at all. Sometimes we just did the massage over their clothes. Sometimes only very briefly. Sometimes we made a story out of it. And that playful element often made the difference.
Because:
“Now we're going to relax.”
… doesn't always sound particularly appealing to a child. 😅
But:
“Shall we make pumpkin soup on your back?”
That's a different story all of a sudden. And this is still one of my favorite massages.
Pumpkin soup massage: step by step
First, ask your child if they feel like a massage. Your child can lie on their stomach, sit upright, or simply choose a position that feels comfortable. The massage can be done perfectly over clothing.
- We begin with a pumpkin for the soup 🎃
With your fingers, draw a big round pumpkin on their back. - Cut the pumpkin into pieces 🔪
Use the sides of your hands and make gentle cutting motions. Not too hard, of course ;) - Add an onion 🧅
Draw an onion on their back and also cut it into imaginary pieces. - What other vegetables? 🥦
Let your child choose. Carrots? Zucchini? Broccoli? Or maybe a completely made-up vegetable. The crazier, the better. - Everything into the cooking pot 🥘
Make big, slow circles on their back with your hand. Stir away. - Pepper and salt 🧂
Tap very gently with your fingertips on the back. - Magical herbs ✨
Draw small dashes, swirls, or stars with one finger. - The soup starts to simmer 🫧
Gently tap with your fingertips spread across the back. - Nice and warm 🔥
Rub your hands together until they are warm. - Time to serve 🍲
Make a large scooping motion with both hands.
All done. Enjoy. 🫶
You don't have to follow the massage exactly according to a fixed step-by-step plan.
Maybe your child wants to come up with their own vegetables.
Maybe they want to stop after three steps.
Maybe it wants to massage your back afterwards.
Totally okay...
Make it a small autumn ritual
Perhaps this massage will be something for after school.
Or for bedtime.
After sports.
After a busy family party.
Or just on a rainy Sunday.
Not a big program. No new task on your to-do list.
Just:
a few minutes.
a warm blanket.
an imaginary pot of pumpkin soup.
and being together for a moment. 💛
With love,
Liesbeth
The Pumpkin Soup Massage is part of our Halloween Yoga & Meditation Bundle.
In it, you will find playful yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and creative Halloween activities in addition to this massage.
Everything is digital, so you can download, print, and start right away.
Is massage good for children?
Gentle massage can be a lovely moment for relaxation, body awareness, and connection. Research shows various potential positive effects, but massage is not a treatment or a miracle cure.
Why can massage be enjoyable for children?
Massage can help children transition from busyness to calm, from doing to feeling, and from individual worlds to togetherness. It offers a simple transitional moment to let all the impressions of the day settle and can have positive effects on anxiety, tension, parent-child connection, and well-being.
How long should a children's massage last?
There is no set duration. A few minutes can be enough. Primarily, follow your child's lead.
What are important tips for giving massage to children?
It's important to keep it light and let the child set the pace. Always ask for permission before you start. The massage doesn't have to be perfect and can be done over clothes. The most important thing is the connection and the moment of attention.
Is any specific preparation needed for the pumpkin soup massage?
No, no special preparation is needed. The massage can be given over clothes and you can adapt the steps according to the child's wishes. The child can lie down, sit, or choose another comfortable position.
What if my child doesn't want to be massaged?
Then you stop. Always ask for permission first and respect a 'no'.
When can I use baby massage?
For example, after school, before bedtime, after sports, or at a time when your child needs rest and connection.
https://www.instagram.com/fullofyoga.shop/
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.