Tag Archives: massage therapy

Unconventional Kids and Unconventional Parents

I love the word “unconventional” and it tends to pop up in parenting articles and books now and again. There are so many great synonyms for unconventional—eccentric, irregular, unusual, avant-garde, original—how could one NOT want to embrace an unconventional child or be labeled an unconventional parent?! Of course, I realize that not everyone is comfortable with the idea of unconventionality. We worry whether or not our unconventional children can also be deemed normal, and want to make sure that we’re not overlooking any potential problems. But, the uniqueness of each child and the variations of perspective and attitude that each … Continue reading →

Joiners and Loners

We all want what’s very best for our kids—we want them to grow and develop and experience life to the fullest. BUT, sometimes our own values about what that means might clash with our child’s temperament. We may think that an active social life is best while our child prefers to be alone or in one-on-one relationships. We might actually worry that if our child is too much of a loner, there are (or will be) big problems. It can go the other way too and a shyer, quiet parent might have a real hard time with a child who … Continue reading →

Can You Stay Calm and Neutral During Discipline?

Parenting is emotional stuff. We can be so bonded and attached to our children, as well as our role of parent, that emotions rule the day. Experts suggest, however, that remaining calm and neutral during times when discipline is called for can actually make discipline more effective and help avoid power struggles and emotionally charged situations. Sounds good, right? But, is it easier said than done? We’ve all been told that we should avoid using words like “bad” and losing our tempers when our children misbehave, but it sure can be tough not to get angry, frustrated and emotional during … Continue reading →

Listen, Breathe and Think

I am, by nature, a somewhat impulsive person. Not necessarily kooky-jump-in-a-creek type of impulsive, but I tend to be someone who is willing to take risks, say what I think needs to be said and, yes, sometimes, speak first and think later. Parenting, however, has given me the opportunity to learn to temper my impulsiveness and not only think before speaking or responding to my children–but to actually listen, breathe AND think before responding to things that they say and do. Of course, there are moments when thinking fast and the ability to be sudden and impulsive can really be … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Massage

If you think that massage is just for self-indulgent, spoiled people… think again! There are many important health benefits to massage — it can help you maintain physical and mental well-being. Massage can calm the nervous system. The rhythmic stroking of your muscles is very soothing, and helps your body relax and slow down. Considering the fast-paced way we live our lives… slowing down is a good thing. Massage can help lower your blood pressure. Massage promotes deeper breathing. Massage improves circulation, so your body delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells more efficiently. Massage stimulates your lymphatic system — your … Continue reading →

Nurturing Temperamental Traits – Mood

Everyone has a bad day sometimes, but how does your child generally look at the world? Does your child always have a smile on her face? Is he usually serious? Is he usually happy? Is she always complaining about something? Positive Every parent wants a positive child, the child that looks for the best in others, themselves, and the world and then finds it. The positive child will make the best of any situation. They will be slower to anger and get over hurt feelings easier. They will look for the good in people. The positive child is not one … Continue reading →

Nurturing Temperamental Traits – Persistence

How persistent is your child? Is she willing to wait to have her needs met? Does he insist on getting things now? Does your child quickly give up and move on when a task is difficult? Does she react strongly when interrupted? Persistent Persistence can be both a positive and a negative trait. The child who works on a difficult puzzle is labeled patient, yet if they refuse tostop working when asked they are labeled as stubborn. Recognizing this trait will save you, as a parent, a lot of grief. When your child starts a task they will want to … Continue reading →

Nurturing Temperamental Traits – Adaptability

How easy does your child adapt to transitions? If your child doesn’t mind changes in their routine and easily transitions from activity to activity them they have high adaptability. If they don’t like changes and have a hard time adjusting to new situations they have low adaptability. Low Adaptability Has your child ever cried when you said it was time to put the puzzle away and go to the park? That is because the child with low adaptability has a hard time with transitions. Even though going to the park is an enjoyable activity they were involved in the puzzle … Continue reading →

Nurturing Temperamental Traits – Approach/Withdrawal

Approach or withdrawal explains your child’s response to new situations or people. Does your child eagerly approach a roomful of strangers? Do they cry whenever you leave them? Does your child like to go places or cry/resist when taken somewhere new? Approach The approachable child loves to meet new people and go new places. Life is an adventure that they eagerly embrace. Going to a new school or attending daycare is viewed as an opportunity to make new friends. They are confident and sure of themselves around strangers. When they are in a new place they will feel free to … Continue reading →

Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I was a bad girl. Instead of calling the doctor about my recent wrist pain (which I suspect may be carpal tunnel syndrome), I called my massage therapist. Massage therapists are not supposed to diagnose or recommend treatment. But they sure do know a heck of a lot about the human body, how everything works and how everything is connected. She told me that there is a nerve that runs from the neck through the shoulder and down the arm into the hand. That nerve could have issues way up in the neck that end up causing pain in the … Continue reading →