Calmer Stories is a concept which uses basic massage strokes, a small number of yoga-inspired movements and breathing techniques to help children’s minds and bodies calm and relax. Sessions are designed for children aged 2-11 years. We gently weave these movements and techniques into stories, rhymes and play. Basic massage moves are carried out by parents or carers over the clothes with the children or a child can massage another child over the clothes in a safe and consensual way. Calmer Stories are great for home, foster and adoptive parents, pre-school, primary school and additional needs settings.
Calmer Stories draws upon tried and tested techniques which enable parents, carers, teachers and above all children to show ways of slowing down, calming and bonding through positive touch and mindfulness based techniques.
Packages can be delivered within your home to support children and their parents/ carers. These cover the theory behind Calmer Stories, the massage movements, mindfulness activities, mantras with massage and massage sequences to songs/ stories/ rhymes. They are tailor made to your child’s needs and interests.
Bespoke packages can be delivered to schools and nurseries to meet the needs of their children. I can guide nurseries/ schools/ childcare professionals in implementing Calmer Stories as a whole setting intervention.
Please email laura@serendipity-wellness.co.uk to discuss further.
| Benefits to Children | Benefits for Parents/ Carers |
| Develops a feeling of being loved, respected and secure | Excellent way of connecting with your child |
| Helps with bonding and attachment | Gives parents/ teachers practical tools |
| Shows touch is safe | Enhances confidence and competence in dealing with the child |
| May reduce tantrums and behavioural issues | Helps parents/ carers to have a more positive interaction with their child |
| Works with children’s natural movement | Helps parents/ carers understand their child’s cues |
| Teaches positive loving touch and gentle movements | Teaches positive loving touch and gentle movements |
| Develops body, mind, awareness and co-ordination | Promotes relaxation |
| Helps to regulate and strengthen digestive and respiratory systems and stimulate circulatory and nervous systems | Promotes nurturing instinct (through stimulation of hormone oxytocin) |
| Improves quality of sleep | Improves quality of sleep |
| Aids friendships | Helps parents become aware of their developing child |
| Improves concentration | Encourages mindfulness |
| May reduce aggression in classes | Encourages parents/ carers to sing to their children |
| Encourages mindfulness and relaxation | Encourages parents/ carers to tell stories |
| Encourages speech development | Encourages parents to play with their children |
| Encourages communication | |
| Encourages listening skills | |
| Aids body awareness and co-ordination | |
| Increases confidence and self esteem | |
| Helps language development through songs | |
| Teaches consent |
