The Mombie Massage…
Mombies, we’ve all been there. You’re playing on the floor with your little one, and you give in to the temptation to just lie down, right there, on that toy-filled floor. As you stare at the crumbs and think, “Dang-it, I need to vacuum again” your mind wanders to what would be truly fabulous right about now…
a back massage! aaaaahhhh…
There’s that spot that’s always tight since you carry your “old enough to walk” toddler on the same hip. And there’s that crick in your neck from another night of dozing off in an awkward position while convincing your child to sleep in their own bed.
If only there was another person who could give you that much needed relief right now! Wait! Maybe there is?
“Can my toddler give me a back massage?” your “so tired you feel drunk” brain ponders.
Well, ponder no more.
Here are my top 10 tips to shamelessly trick your toddler (or preschooler) into giving you a back massage:
1. Take turns playing “Round and round the garden like a teddy bear…”
With this game, you go round in circles on someone’s hand or back and it ends in a tickle under the armpit. This YouTube video explains it.
2. Be a “road” for your child’s toy cars.
You’re Adventure Bay and the Paw Patrol is on a roll. Or you’re the Island of Sodor and Thomas the Train needs to pull some passengers from one end to the other. You get the idea!
PS – being a “road under construction” also makes a super cute and simple Halloween couple’s costume if you’re pregnant!
3. Play doctor.
Tell them you’re their patient, and they can help you feel better by rubbing your back or checking for sore spots.
4. Be a “dead horse.”
They need to bring you back to life before they get a horsey ride. Warning: this ends with your child getting a horsey ride on your back, obviously.
5. Take turns singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” to each other.
Add in the actions. Your backs are the water spouts!
6. Play a back drawing guessing game.
Let your child draw on your back with their finger and let you guess what they are drawing.
7. Pretend to be a keyboard or drums.
As they “play” your back, make quirky musical noises.
8. Play the “push button” game.
Your kid has to poke your back until they find the special “button” that makes you shout, laugh or sing (you decide).
9. Have a classic massage circle.
This will take at least two children, or get your partner involved too!
Hold up. Scrreeeeech! Time for a reality check.
This is your best solution:
10. Get off the floor!!
Are these ideas sounding like a good idea and you’re about ready to try them? That’s a sign you need a REAL break, Mamma! A toddler massage is about as effective as an elephant massage. (Been there, got the picture!)
Seriously, though, please book yourself in for an actual massage. Ask for it as a gift if need be. It will be worth it!
I only came up with this list after thorough testing and self-application, after all. (Christmas can’t come soon enough! I want all the spa gift cards! Are you reading this, husband?)
Need to reduce your work load? Why not save time in the kitchen? Check out my #bestmomhack.
Thanks for reading! I hope this post made you smile!
Sushmita
October 27, 2019 — 4:37 pm
Haahahaha! I so loved it! This is what I used to do when my nephew wanted to play with me while I was dead-tired – I would pretend to be crocodile resting and would ask him to sit/jump on my back and then I will swim across some imaginary swamp! Lame but this what toddlers enjoy! Loved your post 😀
Kayleigh
November 8, 2019 — 6:02 pm
Thanks for the positive feedback! Sounds like you’re a fun auntie!
daphne takahashi
October 24, 2019 — 2:57 pm
I don’t have kids yet but I really liked the way you mixed nice activities to have fun with your little now and also create awareness for moms to take some time for them and do some self-care! I will keep this post in mind when the time comes. Thanks so much for sharing this alert! gotta take care of our mammas!
Lyosha
October 24, 2019 — 1:40 pm
Very fun ideas! I don’t have kids yet but I’ll remember it for future. Need to check with my nieces too
Kayleigh
October 24, 2019 — 2:58 pm
When you are a mom, you try anything, lol!
Kristin
October 22, 2019 — 7:50 pm
I literally do this with my daughter all the time! I let her use my back as her playing ground just to get the feel of that quick pressure from her little hands haha. I’m so glad to see I am not the only one who does these tricks!!
Subhashish Roy
October 22, 2019 — 10:07 am
Just awesome. Great ideas which made me smile. I did try out some of my ideas earlier with a hand massage competition between two little ones who are our neighbors but nothing to match your ideas. Am going to have fun and more fun and of course many more massage sessions. Thanks a ton 😊
Lyosha
October 22, 2019 — 1:12 am
I would always LOVE to get a massage so any trick will do. very nice writing and interesting choice of topic
Mariana
October 21, 2019 — 7:50 pm
This was very funny, specially the last part. But I get it, if you are in need for a massage, even if your kids is the one massaging you, then you need a real break and some time to relax.
Joanna K.
October 21, 2019 — 2:49 pm
That is one way of getting children involved in family physical activities! Nice for parents to have fun and spend good time with their kids. Helpful to pamper themselves with a massage session.
Luna S
October 21, 2019 — 9:45 am
I saw a really cute shirt idea that goes with idea #2, the post showed a dad who drew a road way on the back of a white T-shirt which allowed his kids to drive their cars around on the track. My kids like walking around on my back hahaha they think it is fun trying to balance.
Kayleigh
October 21, 2019 — 4:46 pm
haha love the T-shirt idea!
Live Learn Better
October 21, 2019 — 8:34 am
This is hilarious and useful in all ways. I’m sending it to my wife who’s always asking the kids for a massage.
Kayleigh
October 21, 2019 — 4:47 pm
lol, then send her a massage gift card!
The Sunny Side Lifestyle Co.
October 21, 2019 — 8:30 am
I introduced myself to regular massage during my first pregnancy when my office was right next to a massage school (inexpensive massage right across the street!). Since then, massage has been my sanity and self-care. As moms, we all appreciate a good massage and there is nothing better than receiving it as a gift.
Toddler massage not so relaxing but ‘hairdresser’ is one that can actually be relaxing and kids love to brush and style hair.
Sarah Emery
October 19, 2019 — 9:20 pm
These are really great ideas in getting a back massage from a toddler! Ha ha!! I love the, ‘play doctor, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” massages. But yes, to all the Mommas family members – spa certificates are a great gift!
Kelly Martin
October 18, 2019 — 11:52 pm
This was so great. When you’re desperate for a massage you’ll try anything!
Scott J DeNicola
October 18, 2019 — 1:52 pm
That was great. For a minute you had me thinking the cars and trucks on my back might actually feel good! As a husband, I can tell any other dads that a good massage gift certificate is always appreciated by most wives. Very clever read.
Kayleigh
October 18, 2019 — 2:30 pm
It kinda does feel good. The problem is they also want to drive the trucks all over your head and face!