Massage
A calm massage can help the body wind down after an intense day. For touch to feel safe, the child needs to know what is going to happen and be able to say stop. You will find the visual support below.
♀Massage
A woman massages the back of a person lying on a massage table.
♀Back massage
A woman massages the back of a child lying on a mat.
About this visual support
Firm pressure on the back, shoulders or feet calms many children, and a short massage before bed can become a cosy moment in the evening routine. Other children are sensitive to unexpected touch, and then even a kind hand can feel unpleasant. The difference often lies in predictability: knowing where, for how long and that you are allowed to stop.
The visual support turns touch into a clear offer. The pictures can show: ask whether the child wants a massage, lie down on the mat or bed, massage on the back, a picture for firmer or lighter pressure and a stop picture. The stop picture is the core. When the child knows it is always respected, saying yes next time becomes easier. It also teaches the child that their own body is worth listening to.
A practical tip is to count slowly to twenty during the massage, so the child hears how long the moment lasts. A gentle movement pattern, such as drawing a sun on the back, gives something to follow. If you want to build a calm evening moment into a visual routine, you can try Routined free for 14 days.
Use this image in a schedule
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