One of the first things I teach during an Infant Massage lesson is a permission sequence, using a combination of words and sign language your asking your child if they are ready to have a massage.
This often at first seems silly and feels even sillier when asking these questions – ‘How is a baby going to understand what I’m saying?’, the answer is because this is a learnt response.
Initially your child will respond – then over time they will learn what this permission sequence means and begin to show yes or no ques!!
Yes ques can be signs such as giggling, reaching for your hands or cooing, No ques can be signed like avoiding eye contact, pulling there ears or the most obvious – crying.
A permission sequence gives your child control over there own body, and lets them know that its OK to say no.
Always make sure when you ask permission to massage to leave the question open ended for example: Would you like a massage now? is much better than ‘Waould you like a massage now? Yes you would wouldn’t you!’,
also remember after posing this question give your child a moment to respond, let there answer be clear before going ahead with your massage.Hope this helps.
Happy Massaging!
This often at first seems silly and feels even sillier when asking these questions – ‘How is a baby going to understand what I’m saying?’, the answer is because this is a learnt response.
Initially your child will respond – then over time they will learn what this permission sequence means and begin to show yes or no ques!!
Yes ques can be signs such as giggling, reaching for your hands or cooing, No ques can be signed like avoiding eye contact, pulling there ears or the most obvious – crying.
A permission sequence gives your child control over there own body, and lets them know that its OK to say no.
Always make sure when you ask permission to massage to leave the question open ended for example: Would you like a massage now? is much better than ‘Waould you like a massage now? Yes you would wouldn’t you!’,
also remember after posing this question give your child a moment to respond, let there answer be clear before going ahead with your massage.Hope this helps.
Happy Massaging!
jcleemassagetherapy 