to post the most middle-class question ever asked on Mumsnet?

[pollyandme]

I'm looking for somewhere in London where I can book a proper massage as a birthday present for my 6yo daughter.

Somewhere "naice".

Can anyone suggest anywhere?

Sorry.
Polly

I actually think having regular massages for a relaxing/pampering treat is a middle-class thing.

Right. Everyone is 'hung up on touch if they think paying strangers to massage your small child is unusual?

If by 'unusual' you mean it doesn't happen very often, no. If by 'unusual' you really mean 'weird' then you might be. Or just easily scandalised, perhaps.

Great idea OP.
I'm sure it's very beneficial and it's a shame it's seen as odd over in the UK.

pollyandme would you like to adopt me, I am 51 but I do like massages and I would be kind to my (new) little sister!

I imagine she loves a back run from you, her mum, because she loves you and sees it as quality time. I very much doubt a 6 yr old would be happy with a stranger doing the same thing. And nor should she.

Can't understand why

baby massage = bonding
adult massage = calming
child massage = deranged

Eh- baby massage you learn to massage the baby yourself no?

You don't just hand it over to the instructor and swan off to waitrose, do you ? (There's an idea!)

Try a spa - I went to a spa hotel last autumn and they did all kinds of massages for children - massage with orange oil, facial, hand massages and some special bath thing. Wasn't in the UK but maybe you can find a spa place there that does similar.

Can't stand the constant class dropping on mn

My kids (teenagers) have massages, totally normal, massages are good for you.

I can't recommend anywhere as mine are older but maybe call the Cowshed spa? They have lovely childrens products so maybe they do childrens treatments too? Worth a shot anyway.

This has nothing to do with class.

What you on about?

Right. Everyone is 'hung up on touch if they think paying strangers to massage your small child is unusual?

I don't cut my son's hair because I'm not good at it. I don't teach him how to play the guitar because I don't know how myself.

If he wanted a massage, I'd pay a stranger for it.

But not any old stranger. That would be daft. I'd ask if anyone had any recommendations.

Like the OP did.

Can any of the "OMG so weird" posters explain why it is weird? And as for being chavvy -

Thats not middle class, just a bit odd. A proper adult massage for a 6 year old?! I'd want to check they were professionally qualified for massage on such a small child - surely it's a different kettle of fish doing massage on adult as a wee tot? She could get hurt.

If you really wanted her to have a massage maybe look at Baby massage specialists who at least train for little ones.

I very much doubt a 6 yr old would be happy with a stranger doing the same thing.

I can imagine many 6 year olds loving it and feeling very 'grown up'. A few people have already posted about their children receiving massages from strangers when on holiday abroad.

Op please tell me how you trained get your six year old to sit still long enough for a massage in the first place

Maybe you could see if any local massage therapists would do a mother-daughter session where they teach you how to massage your DD? So she gets a massage, and you get to learn how to do them forever and ever and you get some more bonding time from it?

Can anyone recommend a massage salon in Chipping Norton which also serves organic quinoa and kale salad?
Now that's a middle class question.

I don't think you are being that unreasonable - my footy playing 11 year old DD has regular sports massage from my friend (and fully qualified sports massage therapist)

If she'd like it it's a lovely present :)

This is not weird. I worked as a therapist for years in a holiday resort and kids often wanted massages, its a lovely experience for them with nice music and nice smelling oils.
If the child was under 16, we would ask a parent or adult to be present.

I can't recommend anywhere in London but I am sure if you ask any good therapist they will do this no problem.

Isn't all quinoa organic?

I think it's a great idea and would be looking for some holistic therapists who could recommend someone.

People go for couples massages, so why not mother/child massage?

I wouldnt like this, but thats becasue i personally am uncomfortable with the idea for myself (i just don't like people touching me, no reason for this whatsover). For that reason i find this a really unusual thing to be considering for a 6yo child.

I did used to massage DD when she was a baby though.

I am the same LEM, the thought of a stranger having their hands all over me. No ta.

I would love a massage. I will never, ever get to experience one professionally, except for my head and feet and that fills me with great sadness as I have an awful back and neck and would really benefit from one. My multi lipomas makes it impossible due to the pain.

My 7 year old dd would enjoy a professional massage, I don't see what is strange about it either.

This is so many shades of weird.