Pizza relaxation

Pizza relaxation

In pizza relaxation, children do a relaxation exercise in pairs using imagery and calm touch. The play progresses in a narrative way according to the stages of making a pizza, helping the child to focus on the moment and calm the body. Gentle touches on the back, hands and feet support body image, increase body awareness and help regulate alertness.

Instructions

• One of the pair is the pizza and sits on their stomach in a comfortable position. The other child or adult is the baker, who prepares the pizza in a calm and gentle manner on the child's back, legs and hands.
• The play progresses in stages according to the process of making a pizza. The adult tells the story: first the dough is spread, then the sauce is added, various toppings are added and finally cheese is sprinkled on.
• Finally, the pizza is "baked" by pushing it into the oven, after which the pair is woken up by "eating" the pizza. After this, the roles are switched.
• During play, it is good to practice listening to the other person's feelings, touch should always feel comfortable.

Tip

• Play is also suitable so that an adult can massage the child and the child can massage the adult.
• If the child finds touching challenging, the massage can be done with a bun brush, paintbrush or soft brush.