Overcoming Challenges in Starting Bodywork for Children
Starting bodywork with a child can sometimes come with unexpected challenges, but rest assured—every challenge has a solution. If your child struggles with lying down, staying still, or tolerating touch, know that these are common experiences, and there are gentle ways to support them. Understanding the reasons behind these difficulties helps create a comfortable and successful experience for the child.
Common Challenges When Beginning Bodywork
Difficulty Lying Down: The Absolute Horizon Issue
Some children have trouble lying down and staying still, often appearing hyperactive or quickly bouncing back up. This may be due to an underdeveloped sense of an absolute horizon, which affects their vestibular system and sense of balance. Without a clear reference point for where their body is in space, lying down may feel unsettling. The good news? This can improve! By gradually helping children establish a sense of grounding, we can make lying down a safe and enjoyable experience.Discomfort Lying on the Stomach: Digestive Issues
If a child resists lying on their stomach, it might not be simple defiance—there could be an underlying reason. Conditions like acid reflux, undiagnosed food sensitivities, or digestive discomfort can make this position unpleasant. Before assuming resistance is behavioral, checking with a doctor to rule out any medical causes can be a helpful first step. Once any digestive concerns are addressed, children often find lying on their stomach much more comfortable.Sensory Sensitivities to Touch
Some children are highly sensitive to touch, making them excessively ticklish or easily overstimulated. This is not a sign that bodywork won’t work for them—it just means we need to go at their pace. Sensory sensitivities often stem from an immature nervous system and can improve with gentle, consistent integration. The more a child experiences safe and predictable touch, the more their nervous system adapts, leading to reduced hypersensitivity over time.
Finding Workarounds for a Successful Experience
Every child is unique, and each of these challenges has a solution.
Medical Checkups First: If there are signs of digestive discomfort or food sensitivities, consulting a doctor is the first step. Identifying and addressing underlying health concerns can make a significant difference in a child’s ability to engage in bodywork.
Creating a Secure Environment: Helping a child develop a sense of an absolute horizon through gentle movements, vestibular exercises, and gradual exposure to lying down can make the process feel safe and comfortable.
Gradual Sensory Exposure: Sensory sensitivities lessen with time as the nervous system integrates experiences. Starting with light, predictable touch and slowly increasing contact can help desensitize the body to overstimulation.
Above all, know that these challenges are not roadblocks—they are simply part of the process. With patience, reassurance, and the right approach, bodywork can become a positive and transformative experience. You are not alone in this journey, and with the right support, every child can benefit from the profound effects of movement and integration.
