It’s a rough life. You need to relax. Massage therapy turns out to be the perfect thing. Now how do you explain it to the children before they overhear about it, talk to their friends, and think you’re doing something dirty.

Farfetched? No. My own late teens son didn’t understand what massage therapy was. My wife and I  had to walk him through the concept.

How can you present massage therapy to your children?

• Massage therapy is …
  • a therapist massaging muscles and tissue
  • involves touching legs, arms, back, and neck
  • is not done in secret
  • is normal therapy
• Massage therapy involves removing some clothing.
  • at no time is the body fully uncovered, just one limb at a time or only the back
  • the person receiving the massage can remain fully dressed
  • you keep your undies on <- important for children!!
• Massage therapy benefits by …
  • improving circulation
  • relieving stress
  • preventing headaches
  • aiding in recovery from illness and injury
• Massage therapy isn’t about sex.
  • it’s about healing
  • it’s about dealing with stress
  • it’s to reduce tension in the body

Now these talking points aren’t comprehensive. They’re a guideline to get you started. I’ve been getting massages for a couple of years now. It started with a coworker recommending them. Yes, another adult male, with a child.

It’s easy for people to take this down the sexual route and make jokes. It’s critical that in your conversation with and without your children that you steer clear of that.  What you say in private often ends up at your kids ears.

Finally, not only talk with your children, but make sure to include your partner. It should be clear that the whole family is on board. Trust is key.

I hope you take a few minutes to not only consider massage therapy but if you do, consider discussing it openly with your children.

Todd Jordan is a father and grandfather. He regularly blogs at The Broad Brush on social media and things more personal. Todd is available for guest blogging and more at tojosan-at-gmail.com.