Watch the video to see how to give your child a sensory story massage and add positive touch to stories at bedtime or bath time using Theraplay®.

What is story massage?

Story massage, also known as sensory massage, is a fun and interactive way to connect with your child. You can build in a sensory massage as part of your routine, ideal for bedtime or bath-time.

Sensory massage helps to calm the nervous system with gentle nurturing touch, and builds on strong connections. It is important you use a touch that is comfortable and calming for your child.

How to do a story massage – video how-to guide

Here is a quick story massage you can try with your child, presented by our Therapeutic Practitioner Nikki Veszpremi. You can build this into your home routine in a way that works for you to help nurture relaxation and regulation.

In the video, our Therapeutic Practitioner Nikki Veszpremi demonstrates how to give using a story massage with a “Dear Zoo” story, accompanying the story with simple and gentle massage techniques that provide positive touch and connection. If you watch the video to the end, Nikki provides a fabulous variant on the story massage that involves making a delicious imaginary pizza, too!

Giving a story massage is an easy, joy-filled and soothing way to help calm and regulate your little one.

Get creative with story massage!

What is your child’s favourite story? Watch the video for inspiration and think about how you could incorporate massage to help your child experience their favourite story in a whole new way.

As well as customising favourite stories, you can use sensory massage with your child to…

• Make a cake or pizza
• Create a weather report
• Create a sensory accompaniment to your child’s favourite songs and tunes

There are so many fun ideas to try!

Story massage strokes and techniques

• Writing a letter – scribbling on the back
• Snake – large ‘s’ shapes on the back
• Raindrops – pitter patter of fingers from the crown of the head
• World / Sun / Face / Wheel / Hole – circle
• Smile / Frown / Rainbow / Jumping – semi circle(s)
• River / Wind / Smoke / Falling / Wriggly Worm / Sea – wave
• Lightning – zigzag

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Further support for parents

If you or someone you know is struggling with family relationships, Beacon Family Services can help. We provide a range of therapies and resources to support parents, children and families including our Connect For Kids Theraplay® group and parent workshops on a variety of topics, as well as access to peer support groups. In addition, you can try the lumin&us® app for parent/child connection.

For further support, and to see our latest parent events and services, please visit the Families hub.

You can also explore our resources for instant support, including newsletters, online support groups, and much more. You can also read further insights and tips from qualified therapists and professionals on our blog.

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We work with organisations, professionals, schools, and charities.

We provide training to use our resources with families and in schools. We partner with professionals, commissioners and organisations to provide in person and online support for families, professional development and training and support and supervision.

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