“The New Book of Baby & Child Massage,” by author Robert Toporek is the perfect gift, this holiday season. As we all reach for better ways to communicate and deal with the stress, this book helps turn common sense into common practice. Parents and children are encouraged to appreciate the power of touch. Parents will discover how simple this book makes massage. They will also find out how every family, despite their economic, social or physical condition can benefit. Author Robert Toporek’s clearly written, highly organized, step-by-step approach, is easy to follow. The beautiful detailed illustrations show parents and care givers specific examples of massage. One of the important benefits of massage for babies and children is how much fun it is. Giving your baby a massage helps both you and your child relax and let go of tension. This allows both you the parent and your child to be more present. The precious time you spend together will take on an improved quality. Baby massage is fun, rewarding and beneficial for the giver, as well as, the receiver. Massage is proven scientifically beneficial! Study after study point out countless examples of the measurable benefits of massage to the child who is massaged regularly. Closer bonding between parent and child
§ Overall, a happier child
§ Greater poise and response in social situations
§ Improved motor development
§ Improved breathing
§ Less pain from gas and constipation
§ Release of accumulated tension
See how many more benefits you can add to this list.
The New Book of Baby and Child Massage offers parents four important points to begin. This section helps parents avoid the most common mistake of well-intentioned parents. That is to initiate a massage program with their babies, toddlers or children without first establishing a plan that is suitable to the specific needs of each individual child, (e.g., age, attention span, developmental needs, etc.). Initially, parents try out too many moves and attempt to provide a full body massage the very first time. Some babies like this “quick-start” method, others don’t. When they don’t this is typically what creates the most frustration and discouragement and drives parents to give up. Those parents then conclude that their baby does not like massage, giving up on the idea altogether. To begin try this four simple ideas.
1. K.I.S.S. Keep it short and simple: You do not have to be professionally trained to provide your child with a wonderful massage experience. You need not massage the entire body each time you massage your baby. And your technique does not have to be refined or sophisticated. The major requirements are that you be a loving parent, that you have common sense, and that you keep it simple and full of love and kisses.
2. Allow the intimacy: Massage can be a very emotional experience! Before you begin massaging your child, it is a good idea to analyze yourself and identify any tensions you may be holding in. Let go of those tensions in whatever way works for you—stretching exercises, a brisk walk, listening to music, meditation. Few people who are now parents were massaged by their parents; therefore they do not have a model to follow. Therefore they get to explore uncharted territory. Massage is a great way to get to know your baby in ways that the normal hustle bustle of life does not allow. It is time to get to know each other’s likes and dislikes each other’s smells and touch. This early intimacy will be a blessing you and your child can carry through life. So allow the intimacy allow your thoughts, feelings, hesitations and confidence to be expressed. Most importantly, allow your love to express itself. Both you and your child will profoundly appreciate those times.
3. Talk to Your Baby. No matter how silly it seems, talk to your baby. And not just “baby talk” like he understands you. By opening up lines of communication through both language and touch, you will begin to create a freedom for self-expression. A skill that will serve your children throughout their lives. The bottom line is that you can make it possible for your children to experience life with less emotional baggage simply by bolstering their ability to express themselves right from the start.
4. HAVE FUN: Make massaging your baby one of the most delightful things you will ever do in your life. Your baby will not be a baby forever, enjoy these moments. Throughout this book parents discover plenty of tips to make the massage experience a very personable and enjoyable one. You can play games with your baby’s toes and fingers while introducing math and logic. You can sing or play songs introducing music. And you can tell wonderful stories; nothing grabs attention like a great story. Be excited when you massage your little ones. Talk to them during the massage, encourage giggling. Let your fun and enthusiasm be contagious.
Section two uses a step-by-step approach to the massage & your baby’s body. By breaking the body artificially into nine parts it makes it much easier for parents to learn how different each part of the body is and how many different approaches they can develop. Each section begins with a philosophy of that part of the body. For example:
Chest and Shoulders the essence of life! Since breathing is so automatic we seldom think about it as essential to life. When we are tense or holding something in it affects our ability to breathe thus affecting circulation and communication. When you can find ways to let go of that tension it improves every aspect of both our body and life.
Legs & Feet our stance in life! This little piggy went to market has been played on countless babies’ toes through the ages. You probably already play it with your babies, and they enjoy it immensely. What’s more, they’ll love it when you start massaging their legs and feet. Standing squarely on your own two feet. Standing up for yourself. Taking a stand. Standing out! These are important expressions that we use to describe various forms of personal strength. They are also statements that relate directly to our legs and feet in both a physical and practical manner. Helping your baby develop her legs and feet and her stance in life is one of the most important gifts you can give her.
Each section of this book is full of tips parents can do to enhance and stimulate their babies and children beyond the initial massage. This gift and is a powerful source of information to help parents and their children deal with the stress of everyday life in a natural, inexpensive, healthy and wholesome way. Though inexpensive at only $12.95 this gift will make a lasting difference and is a must for all parents.
The New Book of Baby & Child Massage is sold throughout the United States, Canada & England. You can purchase it online at Amazon, Borders, and Barnes & Noble to mention a few. Teamchildren an Audubon PA based non-profit organization is also selling the book directly to raise money for their ongoing research & development projects. You can find out more by visiting www.teamchildren.com.
