Parents Bringing Their Children for Massages: What You Need to Know
At A Better Body, we believe massage therapy is beneficial at every stage of life from infancy to adulthood. More parents are now recognizing the positive effects of massage for their children, whether it’s to support relaxation, help with sports recovery, manage growing pains, or simply encourage healthy body awareness.
However, when it comes to minors receiving massage therapy, there are important guidelines to follow including when parents or guardians need to be present in the room.
The Benefits of Massage for Children
Children today face more stress and pressure than ever before from schoolwork to sports and screen time overload. Massage offers a gentle, nurturing way to help them relax, reset, and feel their best.
Here are some of the top benefits we see:
Improved sleep and relaxation
Gentle massage helps calm the nervous system, promoting deeper, more restful sleep, something every parent can appreciate!Reduced muscle tension and growing pains
Active kids, especially those involved in sports or dance, often experience tight muscles and aches. Massage can ease soreness and support healthy muscle development.Better focus and emotional regulation
The calming, grounding effects of massage can help children manage anxiety, improve focus, and feel more comfortable in their own bodies.Enhanced body awareness and confidence
Massage helps kids learn to recognize how their bodies feel and respond, fostering a positive connection to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
What to Expect at A Better Body
When a child comes in for a massage, we make sure they feel completely safe and comfortable. Our therapists use gentle techniques and shorter sessions tailored to your child’s age, comfort
level, and needs. Whether it’s helping a young athlete recover after a big game or easing tension from school stress, every session is designed to be both relaxing and supportive.
Parental Presence: Age Guidelines
For the safety and comfort of every child, we follow clear policies about parental presence during sessions. These align with best practices in the massage therapy industry and professional ethics standards.
Ages 0–12: Parent or Guardian Must Be in the Room
For younger children, we require a parent or legal guardian to be present throughout the entire session. This helps the child feel secure and ensures the parent can communicate any special needs or concerns directly to the therapist.
Parents are welcome to sit quietly, read, or engage with the child as appropriate.
Ages 13–15: Parent or Guardian Must Remain Onsite
For teens in this age range, a parent or guardian must remain in the building for the duration of the massage. The session takes place privately, but the therapist will check in before and after to ensure everyone feels comfortable and informed.
Ages 16–17: Parent or Guardian Consent Required
Older teens can receive a massage on their own once a parent or guardian has provided written consent. However, parents are always welcome to stay onsite if that feels best for their family. Our minor consent form.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Space
Every therapist at A Better Body is trained to maintain a professional, safe, and nurturing environment. We take time to explain the process, answer questions, and ensure that both parent and child are comfortable before beginning.
Our goal is to help each young client feel respected, cared for, and empowered to take part in their own wellness journey.
Book a Session
Whether your child is an athlete recovering from a game, a busy teen needing to unwind, or a little one who simply enjoys gentle relaxation, we’re here to help.
Book HERE for your family-friendly massage today and experience the difference a compassionate, professional touch can make.
