MITTS: Massage for Infants, Toddlers, and Teens

Emotional Intelligence should be taught to children as young as one year of age. We teach kids to count, know their colors, recite the ABC's, but we aren't teaching them emotional eloquence formally like we do other subjects in the classroom.    - Dr. Steve Sampson ​From birth, children require tactile stimulation to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Studies show that children who receive massage therapy show benefits of enhanced immune function, reduction of stress, and an overall sense of well-being.  Massage for Infants, Toddlers, and Teens (MITTS) is a program developed as a way to introduce young children to massage therapy and to enhance emotional intelligence. It is designed to help children navigate life from infancy to adulthood. A few of the many benefits of Infant Massage include: Improved Sleep Patterns Deepens Bonding Enhanced Immune Function Helps with Colic and Constipation Helps with Brain Development A few of the many...

  How Entrepreneurs Take a Day Off:  Say 'Yes' to mandates As a solopreneur, it is so easy to justify how much time I spend running my business. Oftentimes, a missed phone call can mean a missed opportunity. So, like a lot of small business owners, I tend to work mornings, evenings, weekends, whenever. I learned first hand how this can lead to burnout. Once I started saying "yes" to myself, not only did I feel better, but, my practice did better as well. When we say "yes" to everyone else, we're actually saying "no'' to ourselves. In a business where I hear so many "no's", I like to hear a "YES!" even if it's coming from me. I say a mandatory "yes" to myself every Thursday. Just knowing that I have this day reserved each week motivates me to schedule meetings and tasks more strategically. Sometimes that means I'm up until 2 am on a Wednesday morning but just knowing that I have Thursday all to myself...

 II t’s time to head back to school. While this can be an exciting time for children and parents, for some, it can be stressful. Stress serves a purpose in our lives. However, when stress is so persistent that you start to feel worry, dread, or fear, it turns into anxiety. We can start showing signs of anxiety in infancy. Babies may cry or hiccup excessively. Toddlers may bite, have tantrums, or be extra clingy. School aged children may experience stomach aches, sleeplessness, or irritability. And procrastinating, yelling, and poor appetite are some signs of parental anxiety. According to the CDC, 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years have diagnosed anxiety in 2018. That number jumps to 31.9% of children aged 13 - 18. And an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives (NIMH). The best way for parents to talk to kids about anxiety is to lead by example. As The Good Mom Coach™, I teach parents techniques they can use throughout the day such a...

Thank you # serenawilliams for sharing your experiences with postpartum # depression which effects 60% of # moms and 25% of # Dads . Interactive Infant and Pediatric # Massage groups is one tool available for parents to help combat this issue. Visit my website for more information and to host or join a session. www.anita4massage.com Serena Williams shares postpartum struggles on social media Serena Williams says she's been struggling with postpartum emotions and wants other new moms to know they are "totally normal" usatoday.com

Infant Massage Inspires Parental Confidence Phyllis HanlonMay 11, 2015 MASSAGE Magazine | The arrival of a new baby can provoke both excitement and a bit of fear in even the most confident mom and dad. But in some cases, that confidence may begin to erode as baby cries, fusses, refuses to nurse or demonstrates some other upsetting behavior. While studies have shown that massage can help calm a stressed infant, they also indicate that parental confidence can realize a boost from touch therapy with their baby . Decades-Long Tradition Vimala Schneider McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), witnessed infant massage in an orphanage in India in 1973. The incredible benefits she saw prompted her to found her specialized organization to promote the practice. She points out that infant massage has been an integral part of caregiving tradition in many countries around the globe for decades—and for several good reasons. She asserts ...

Interactive Pediatric Massage Build Healthy Relationships thru Positive Touch Studies show that children who receive massage therapy show benefits of enhanced immune function and brain development, reduction of stress, and a sense of well-being. With touch being such a vital part of a child’s growth and development, it's important that parents are given tools to help build trust, security, and respect for one another. If you want to learn more about deepening the bond with your child, preventing bullying, tackling ADHD, growing pains, and stress reduction, then this class is for you! MITTS: Massage for Infants, Toddlers, & Teens   ──── Who Should Attend? Parents, Grandparents, Kids 9wks-15yrs ──── Can Massage Make your Child Smarter? LET’S FIND OUT!   Call to reserve your spot today! 770-904-9453

Getting a Massage is Like Trying on a New Dress. I recently signed up for one of those online personal stylist services. When I received my first box of fashion items, I was both excited and nervous.  I was excited because of the possibility of finally becoming the fashionista that I think I am although no one else sees it that way. And, I was nervous because of the possibility that nothing would fit and I just wasted my time and money. That's when it occurred to me. Trying on these clothes for the first time is just like getting a massage for the first time. Here is how I break it down: 1. Expectations: When I received my fashion items, I expected everything to look and fit perfectly. I answered all the questions that my personal stylist asked as completely as possible. I included my size, my preferred style, and information about my lifestyle. If this was a massage, you would expect everything to go perfectly as well. you've filled out a form indicating your preferr...

What is Infant Massage? A regular routine of infant massage can benefit both the caregiver and the child who is 2 years old and younger.  This is why a Certified Infant Massage Teacher ( CIMT ) will demonstrate massage techniques to the parent or caregiver that they can do directly with their child.  This usually takes place in a group setting.  Studies show that massage helps increase bonding between caregiver and child. A few of the many benefits of Infant Massage include: Improved Sleep Patterns Deepens Bonding Enhanced Immune Function Helps with Colic and Constipation Helps with Brain Development A few of the many benefits of Pediatric Massage include: Improved Focus Comforting Growing Pains Reduced Aggressive Behavior More Restful Sleep Enhanced Pulmonary Function Studies show, Massage can benefit children who are diagnosed with: Autism ADD/ADHD Asthma Cancer (helps with stress reduction) Cerebral...

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - The World Health Organization (WHO) We all know that massage can be very relaxing and reduce stress.  We often think of massage as being a luxury that we indulge in for special occasions.  While both of these statements are true, there are so many more benefits that we can get from receiving massage on a regular basis.  In fact, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, 50% of consumers received massage therapy for medical reasons.  Massage is now considered as important as diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Did you know...? Studies show that 70-90% of illnesses are Stress related Massage reduces Cortisol, the "stress" hormone Massage increases Serotonin, the "feel good" hormone Massage increases Endorphins, our natural pain killers Massage can have positive effects on those diagn...