My child has many meltdowns, tantrums, and anxiety. I am often lost as to how to help him settle down and feel calmer, and I wonder how pediatric touch therapy might help.
Every parent is familiar with the trials and tribulations of handling their children’s tantrums, meltdowns, and bouts of anxiety.
This therapeutic intervention, designed to soothe and provide relief for children experiencing stress, might be the helping hand you’ve been looking for.
Pediatric touch therapy, also known as pediatric massage, encompasses a range of hands-on techniques used to promote physical, mental, and emotional health in children. From reducing pain and tension to promoting calm and well-being, touch therapy offers numerous benefits that can help your child deal with meltdowns and anxiety.
Understanding Pediatric Touch Therapy
Touch therapy works on the principle that positive, gentle touch helps create a secure environment where a child feels loved, safe, and understood. It involves techniques such as stroking, kneading, and applying gentle pressure on various body parts. Each technique is administered in a non-invasive, child-friendly way, paying respect to the child’s comfort and boundaries.
Importantly, touch therapy does not act as a standalone solution but complements traditional psychological and medical treatments. It is vital to a fully comprehensive integrative approach to a child’s well-being.
Calming the Storms of Anxiety and Meltdowns:
The question, then, is how exactly does pediatric touch therapy help a child navigate the complex waters of anxiety, meltdowns, and tantrums?
Physical Relaxation:
One of the immediate impacts of touch therapy is the promotion of relaxation. Gentle, soothing techniques can decrease muscle tension and heart rate, contributing to a state of physical calm. This physical relaxation can interrupt the cycle of stress and tension that often accompanies anxiety and meltdowns.
Emotional Regulation:
Children can struggle to express their feelings verbally. Touch therapy provides an alternative communication channel, letting them know they’re not alone in their distress. This sense of connection can help a child feel more secure, potentially mitigating feelings of panic or emotional upheaval.
Release of Oxytocin:
Touch therapy stimulates the release of oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ Oxytocin has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and safety. The hormonal changes induced by touch therapy can contribute to a more stable emotional state.
Promotion of Mind-Body Awareness:
Regular sessions of touch therapy can help children better understand their physical and emotional responses to stress. Over time, they may learn to associate the calming influence of touch with relaxation, providing them with a strategy to manage their anxiety or meltdown episodes.
Incorporating Touch Therapy into Daily Routines:
While professional pediatric massage therapists are a valuable resource, parents can also incorporate touch therapy elements into their children’s daily routines. The key is to ensure the child feels comfortable and safe.
Bedtime Routine:
Incorporating a gentle massage into the bedtime routine can help your child unwind and prepare for a restful sleep. Use slow, gentle techniques to focus on areas like the back, arms, and legs.
After-School Wind-Down:
Children can feel overwhelmed After a busy day at school. A brief touch therapy session can offer them a way to de-stress and transition to home life.
During Tantrums or Meltdowns:
Once you’ve established touch as a calming influence, you can use it during moments of high anxiety or tantrums. This might involve holding your child securely, giving a hand massage, or applying gentle pressure to their back or shoulders.
Remember, it’s important to be guided by your child’s reactions. Some children might not want to be touched during a meltdown, and that’s okay. Touch therapy aims to create a sense of safety and calm, not to add to a child’s stress.
Pediatric touch therapy is a powerful tool in a parent’s arsenal when dealing with a child’s meltdowns, tantrums, and anxiety. Its power lies in its simplicity and the fundamental human connection it encourages. By implementing touch therapy techniques, you can provide your child with a sense of calm and control, helping them navigate their emotions more effectively. However, remember that touch therapy is one part of a broader approach to child wellness and works best when used alongside other therapeutic and medical interventions.
