MISP
INSTRUCTORS
Massage in Schools Association Singapore
MISP for Families!
While the MISP was initially designed for a school setting, massage does not only belong there. Although massage can be therapeutic, massage is before anything else about nurturing touch. A parent taking time to massage a child will contribute to reducing the child's stress, enhancing their relationship, and helping to raise the child's self-esteem.
“There are parents... who are defying the directives of their culture. Such parents are not only helping their children to have a childhood... Those parents will help to keep alive a human tradition. [Our culture] is halfway toward forgetting that children need childhood. Those who insist on remembering shall perform a noble service.
Neil Postman
How it works?
Parent-child classes vary based on specific requests.
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The classic class teaches the basic MISP Massage Routine which is the core of the programme over 3 to 5 sessions of 60min to 90mins each. Parents attend all sessions with their child.
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MISP Instructors will also introduce various games and activities that involve touch and movement that are developmentally appropriate for the children present that can be repeated at home. The session will generally end off with a short discussion with parents on the various topics that MISP focuses on while children are provided colouring books or continue with activities with another instructor.
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Parent-child classes are a great social activity for adults and children alike!
Click to find out what the MISP Massage Routine is all about at the Schools section!
“I have been practicing the massage strokes on my little daughter since the first day of the course till today. She loves it …when I first did it on her and she asked me to do it again and again…in the end on the first day I did four cycles on her….likewise on the second day after my course she asked me to massage her again and since then everyday when I finish work she would ask me to massage her and ask me to draw hearts for her. I notice that she is happier in the morning when she goes to Childcare centre and sleeps better in the night. I am so happy that both of us are benefiting from the massage course.
Remember we have to ask for permission every time we want to massage someone …. I actually heard my little daughter saying the same thing to her grandparents. ‘ah gong ! can I massage you and draw heart for you ??’ It was so loving !!”
Shirley Yang, Parent
Other variations
Once in a while, we receive requests from community centres and various organisations for a one time session as part of a family day event. In these sessions, while we do not teach the basic Massage Routine, the MISP Instructor will introduce various touch and movement games and activities that will give parents tips and ideas on bringing nurturing and positive touch into their family life.
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Touch and movement activities using songs, rhymes and massage stories are always popular with children!
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Check out one here called the Weather Massage Story!
