The Last Love Language - Physical Touch - a podcast by Christine Robenalt, PT, MPT, CIMI, FNCP

Physical touch means a lot to me as a physical therapist, but some kids (and even some adults) do not like physical touch.  In order to help create safety around positive, safe touch we need to be able to figure out what safe touch feels like for our child.  This episode goes over 3 different types of physical input that could be sequenced together as a formal massage to your child's arms, legs, feet, hands, back chest and belly.

If you would like to download the below PDF there are more instructions on how to provide a massage to your child.

But we can provide physical touch other ways too, such as a pat on the back, or a high 5 or hug.  Watch for signs of engagement or clues that your touch may be perceived as not safe.  When the touch is perceived as not safe, continue to seek out different types of touch or pressure that your child does tolerate and begin to expand it from there.

Our skin is our largest organ in our body and it houses many different kinds of receptors to help keep our body safe and protected.  Sometimes, the perception truly a safe touch is perceived by the child as something uncomfortable.  But by finding the "just right balance" you ca help grow your child's window of tolerance to allow and maybe even enjoy safe touch as a way to connect to others who are close to your child.  It also allows for a conversation about who and why people can touch and that you can allow your child permission to say to someone, that they do not want to be touched.

Physical touch can be very powerful!

Today, try to give each of your children at least 5 different physical touches and see how your child and how you feel.

Thank you for listening!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwssGrN_yfP9LU9RMlJEMmVuYmtPLU1GdnFlekVhUU50MU9V/view?usp=sharing

Further episodes of Sparkler Parents

Further podcasts by Christine Robenalt, PT, MPT, CIMI, FNCP

Website of Christine Robenalt, PT, MPT, CIMI, FNCP