Is it wrong to massage a 6 yr old's joints?? ?

Question

My oldest ever since she was a baby i have to "massage" her to sleep. She'll lay on the floor, couch, or bed, and i have to sit next her and "massage" her arms, legs, hands, and feet before she sleeps. My boys have no problems falling a sleep. I used to do that to her when she was an infant and had colic. If she's laying on the floor sleeping or on the couch sleeping i'll move her into her bed, but, she's 6 yrs old and i don't know weather i should keep it up or tell her that she has to go to bed by herself?? She has a problem going to sleep on her own, cause for some weird reason she had a nightmare the one night that she was going to get "eaten" by sharks. Ever since then I have to "massage" her. Her preschool teacher told me that she used to do it when she was in preschool. I know this may sound like a "dumb" question, but, don't know weather it's "normal" or not. Thanks for all of your input.

Answer 1

wow, i had a daughter with colic and i never had to massage her to sleep. by age 6 she should just listen to you and go to bed. you started this mess. i was a single, working mother. i didn't have time for BS drama from my kids. when i said go to bed, they went to bed.  

Answer 2

I think she's old enough to start sleeping without being massaged.  She wants a message cuz you got her use to it, now you have to stop it.  Tell her she's a big girl.  If you keep babying her she'll think it's ok to act like a baby.

Answer 3

Are you Jacko?

Answer 4

There's nothing wrong with it. But I just wonder why you aren't letting her learn to fall asleep by herself. This was something I read about in the baby books, about teaching kids to learn to fall asleep by themselves is one of the most valuable things you can give them. You don't want your daughter to need this for the rest of her life. See if you can adopt a new ritual that she will like better. Most kids like the bath and book ritual. But maybe she needs a bit more than that, since she's used to a massage. But find some reward for her when she can do this for one whole week, and then one whole month. And then before you know it, she won't need the massage any more. Just use a toy she wants as encouragement. I'm sure she'll be raring to try out this new bedtime ritual if it's something she really wants.  

Answer 5

Are you kidding me?  I don't think we touch children enough!  They grow up to think everyone is a pervert and there's no such thing as love.  Massage that baby, d**n it!

Answer 6

nothing is wrong with that.. she is  your daughter... its not like your massaging her any where inappropriate.

Answer 7

I think it is fine.  As long as you are okay doing it.  My nephew has to play with hair to fall asleep.  If it is not my sister's (his mom), it's his sister.  He is 5 now.  He has also done this ever since he was a baby.  My youngest brother played (rubbed) my mothers ears to fall asleep.  When he started kindergarten he would come home and immediately start rubbing her ears.  Saying how he missed it.  He grew out of and and now doesn't even remember being that way.  He is sixteen now.  It is fine.  To me it is just something that comforts her.  Makes her feel safe, exactly what every kid wants.  I am sure one day you will miss her being so "needy".  

Answer 8

lol I was reading some answers and OMG there so funny but, I gotta say it's true nothings wrong with it their your kids your not touching them in bads places or anything:) It's fine now if their 20 and your still doing this then I would be a little worried but, I'm sure it's fine:)

Answer 9

there is nothing wrong with doing it if you don't have a problem doing it.  

Answer 10

there is nothing wrong with it cuz she is ur daughter...