A new baby/child massage rhyme

When I do a massage with my children, Wies (5) and Sara (3), we always incorporate some games or stories into the massage. And why not? Child massage for me is not about the perfect massage stroke, but about having fun with your child in a loving way. Two and three year olds love repetition and so does Sara. We usually don’t get beyond our first game or story, because of endless “Again, again!” For Wies, the amount of different stories and games can’t be enough, she’s always up for more.

So, we’re always looking for new games to do and stories to tell for our massage. The other day I was searching on internet and found a simple, but cute rhyme that would make a fun child massage rhyme. I tried it with Wies and Sara and yes, it was a winner. I’d like to share it with you.

Five little blue birds (on back, tummy, legs or arms)

* Five little blue birds hopping by my door

put the tips of your fingers and thumb on your child’s skin; arms and wrists higher, like you’re playing piano. Bring fingers and thumb together in a quick, but light movement, while you lift up your hand and wrist, like in a hopping movement. Do this going up and when you reach the top, slide down with your full hand over your child’s skin.

* One walked away, then there were four

with both hands, walk two fingers up and slide down with a full hand

* Four little blue birds hopping by my door

repeat “hopping” movement

* One walked away, then there were three

repeat the “walking” movement

* Etc. till there were none

Kids love to participate, so during the rhyme you can do “fill in the blank”. Wies loves to count down, so with her I say “One walked away, then there were………how many?”. This would be great for kids that can count backwards or are learning. Sara isn’t able to do that yet, so with her I say “Five little blue birds hopping by my door, one……….what did he do?” and she’ll say walking and do “walking fingers”. If your child is still a baby he/she’ll love the sound of this rhyme and the repeating words.

If you have any games/stories that you do with your baby/child during a massage, I’d love to hear about it!

Love, Martine