How Young is Too Young for Spa and Massage Services?
Hi Felicia -
What is your opinion on massages on minors? 14 and up? Parental release?
Keith West-Harrision
Spa Consultant
Spa Enrichment Strategies
Dear Keith -
What is your opinion on massages on minors? 14 and up? Parental release?
Keith West-Harrision
Spa Consultant
Spa Enrichment Strategies
Dear Keith -
I am ok with massage at any age (if they are potty trained) with a parental release and the parent in the treatment room for at least the first session. For small kids under 12 or 14, I would say parents are in the room every time until a rapport and trust is established with the parents and the clients.
As for the duration of the session, kids under 10 (unless they are big) are usually good for a 15 minute session at most. Ages 10 - 14 can use about 30 minutes - again unless they are big for their age or are dealing with an injury or muscle spasms. Over age 16 you can use your discretion as to the time. I try to judge each client for themselves and find out why they are there to see me.
Other tips:
No glutes, no abs, no pecs on girls.
Have them leave underpants on.
Don't put underage girls with male therapists. (Boys seem to be OK with either but can at times be better with a male therapist.)
As for the duration of the session, kids under 10 (unless they are big) are usually good for a 15 minute session at most. Ages 10 - 14 can use about 30 minutes - again unless they are big for their age or are dealing with an injury or muscle spasms. Over age 16 you can use your discretion as to the time. I try to judge each client for themselves and find out why they are there to see me.
Other tips:
No glutes, no abs, no pecs on girls.
Have them leave underpants on.
Don't put underage girls with male therapists. (Boys seem to be OK with either but can at times be better with a male therapist.)
With skin care, waxing, body treatments and nail services I would ask the same if possible, at least up to age 16.
Our policy differs slightly from Felicia's: children under 12 must have the parent in the room, underwear is left on, and no touching of the potentially sensitive areas unless it is necessary to the treatment, we have explained to both parent and child the need for it, and the parent is sitting right there while it's done. One thing we always do is take a little extra time with the child during the intake conversation, if for no other reason than to help them feel more comfortable about having a stranger touch their body. We also ask the parent beforehand if they prefer a same-sex therapist.
I think children have stress as well as sports or other injuries and definitely benefit from massage, and I bless the parents who are enlightened enough to get it for them instead of handing them a pill.
Peace & Prosperity,
Laura Allen
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Thanks Laura. I really appreciate you sharing your policy for working with minors and welcome input from other spa or massage professionals about this subject or others. By sharing knowledge, we all help each other learn and succeed!
Felicia
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