Wednesday, September 3, 2008

This just feels icky


A local woman is hoping that a massage program that got its start in other countries will be coming to Washington County schools. I hope her hopes aren't too high. According to a story in Wednesday's O-R, Nicki Cooke, a registered nurse who runs Nicki's Magic Touch in Burgettstown, says training will take place next month in Pittsburgh for the Massage in Schools Programme. Note the fancy spelling. Ooooh, la la. Cook says the programme, or program, is for kids ages 4 to 12. Teachers can receive massage training, as can kids, with parental permission. The massages would be performed on children's backs, necks, arms and heads, but only through clothing. And, again, permission would be needed before a child could receive a massage. The O-R story says a couple of ladies from Sweden and Canada developed the program eight years ago "as a means of realizing their vision that every child in the world would receive positive nurturing touch every day." If that doesn't sound like New Age mumbo jumbo, I don't know what does. Cooke said that, thus far, no Washington County schools are participating. I'm not surprised. As we all know, it's just a few short inches from "positive touch" to "bad touch," and any school district that approves this program is setting itself up for an incredible liability situation. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the whole thing is innocuous or even beneficial to kids. But it sort of creeps me out. What do you think?

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6 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would not go nor would I let my child go to someone who had received only cursory training in massage therapy. Although I know that many people benefit from massages, I'd rather go with someone who has been schooled thoroughly.

September 3, 2008 at 10:54 AM  
Blogger Greg said...

I heard once that 70% of massages lead to...well, just refer to Brant's previous blog post.

September 3, 2008 at 3:28 PM  
Blogger Ellipses said...

C'mon greg... the kids are 10!

It's weird, fur shur... but as long as they still think the opposite sex has cooties, let the do whatever... once they start bringing candles and oils and french ticklers, you should probably cut them off...

-ellipses

September 3, 2008 at 6:33 PM  
Blogger PRIguy said...

The program is for kids 4-12, and with the way kids are developing at an accelerated rate these days, 12 years old is like being 16 when we were young.

This programme is mind-boggling. As I've mentioned before, I did some substitute teaching in elementary and middle schools. You are NOT allowed to hug the kids, you are not allowed to hold their hands, and so on. I had one unruly little snot once who, during a post-lunch restroom break, thought it would be great fun to push the girls into the boys' bathroom. I went to get him out of the bathroom, but it was drilled into our heads that you can't grab the kids no matter the situation (try breaking up a playground fight). So I took a light hold of his shirt sleeve and "guided" him out of the bathroom. He threatened to sue me for assault. He was 12...sixth grade.

Responsible adults aren't allowed to hug a child whose father has abandoned him or her when the child does well on a test. Positive adult influences are squelched, but somehow people think that a massage from a kid is good? It's beyond me.

I think this programme is nothing but a massive lawsuitte wrapped in a warm and fuzzy "let the kids feel good" package. I'm 49 and I've never had a massage. I've made it this far and I feel fine physically and mentally. Why does a 4-year-old need a massage?

September 4, 2008 at 8:59 AM  
Blogger Ellipses said...

You have never had a massage priguy?

Oh dear... I will have Helga and Svend give you a call!

-ellipses

September 4, 2008 at 9:24 AM  
Blogger PRIguy said...

Thanks dotted one. Please make sure they're over 12, though.

September 4, 2008 at 1:07 PM  

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