Rates for Children

[Pompal 09.]

Does anyone charge differently for massage with children?

 

[wywy]

Rates for Children

The shortened time span of a child massage would of course change the cost - but on a per minute basis?

 

[Chastity]

Rates for Children

yes. i charge $20 off my swedish rate for kids, but usually the session lasts less than an hour because they are so small and i can complete the body in about 40-45 minutes.

 

[ardi]

Rates for Children

I refered a friend of mine that is a masage therapist to a young girls birthday party, her mom did a day of beauty theme for a bunch of 7 and 8 year girls and they were looking for a woman therapist ( not to freak out the girls). But anyway, she charged $50 and hour and did 5 to 10 minute back, neck and arm massages on each girl so they would get to experience what a real massage would be like. She did this for about 15 to 20 little girls for about an hour and a half.I guess if it's worth it to you, you can pretty much do just about anything when it comes to routines especially with groups.

 

[StarStruckk Is A Monstur!]

Rates for Children

From what I can recall (in my state), you must have signed consent forms from parents when working on anyone younger than 17. However, I would think working on someone who is 16 (especially if a male) would take just as much time as someone who is 21 or 35.The only reason I could see to work on a small child is to help remove scar tissue after having experienced an injury of some sort (i.e., a broken appendage); thus I would do a target massage (generally 30-minute session) and would charge the same price that I charge for a 30-minute session on an adult.Be well,Jen

 

[Tino]

The little girl's spa party sounds fun!There is actually a specialty in this area, for children in dance and  gymnastics, so a great questionI would look up the consent form situation as Jen suggests, and possibly consult with a pediatrician or PT if there would be any special precautions, considerations, or contraindications massaging children, especially if I chose that to be a much worked specialty. I think charging the normal rates would not be out of line when working with injury, or with a developing child athlete.I remember my friend's children, ages 5 to teen,  jumping up on my table and each begging for massage every time I worked on her. I did a shorter, light massage on the younger children, and a regular massage on the teen.  I did not charge. It was rewarding to me to see their enthusiasm, and to know that they might be educated by that time given, to love massage.  I know a few children I've worked on massage their parents and siblings and say they want to be an MT when they grow up

 

[??krazegurl??]

I work with some children doing Craniosacral therapy and charge $25 for a half hour.  For most of the children a half hour is their limit.  I have Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob and Winnie the Pooh sheets for them and they love them.  

 

[Pippin]

Rates for Children

Thanks everyone for the replys. I have had a few clients ask about having their children massaged so I wanted to check out what everyone else does about charging for them.  I don't want to do this as a specialty, but I would like to offer it as one of my services.The children that I have worked on have been through the chiropractor's office and they were covered under insurance.  I haven't done any children outside of there yet.  But, I do enjoy working on them and educating them about massage.  Most have "Backpack Back" or are involved in sports.  Some parents have used massage as a treat for good grades.I was thinking $20 for a half hour would be good.  My regular rate for a half hour is $35.  After everyone's input, that seems reasonable.  If it is more specific work, then I can see charging the regular rate.

 I have Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob and Winnie the Pooh sheets for them and they love them.

This is a cute idea!  

I know a few children I've worked on massage their parents and siblings and say they want to be an MT when they grow up  

I have heard this too.  It just makes you smile.   ;D

I refered a friend of mine that is a masage therapist to a young girls birthday party, her mom did a day of beauty theme for a bunch of 7 and 8 year girls and they were looking for a woman therapist ( not to freak out the girls). But anyway, she charged $50 and hour and did 5 to 10 minute back, neck and arm massages on each girl so they would get to experience what a real massage would be like.

There is a company locally that does young girls tea parties.  There is quite a market for things relating to this.

 

[The Beckster]

Rates for Children

The first time I worked on a child (14 yrs. old), I was completely surprised and appalled at how much she needed it. I agree with Masthera that "Backpack Back" is probably one contributor. Unfortunately, whiplash from moshing is also a contributor. I spoke with the chiro I referred her to and he wasn't as surprised as I was. She still (2 months later) needs to be careful not to "look down" too long. I charge by the time. I would discount a dollar per minute if it took less than an hour (or a half-hour).

 

[Gin]

Rates for Children

Charge your hourly rate, prorated. Just like you would for a very, very large person!You might want to consider having the parent in the room, as well as written consent.

 

[johnny 99]

I charge the same no matter what age, it is my time either way.  And yes I do agree with the statements above.  Make sure to get concent in WRITING and make sure that they sign in their own writing that they were in the treatment room as a witness to the massage!!!  Also have the parent in the room with you at all times, just to make sure that they see everything that you do to their child so that you can't get accused of something down the road.  I usually make sure that it is a housecall so that the parents can be more comfortable and not squashed into my treatment room. We had a family come into the spa, and the children were around 8 and 10, we are all women therapists, so the father and the son had the double room, and I had the mother.   One of the other MT's had the daughter, I honestly wouldn't have been comfortable working on a 10 year old, for their first massage ever, without a parent present.  If they were smart, they should have booked the double room back to back so that both parents could be in the room with their children even though they were getting their massage as well.  I wouldn't have cared if I had to sit for the hour, at least it would have been a piece of mind.  They all seemed to be ok with it, but I wouldn't have so I am glad that I lucked out and got the mother!

 

[ayrond A]

Rates for Children

I have worked on lots of kidsand I charge the same as adultsthe work is the same so I don't see why you should discount itI do have a signed consent form and make the parents sit in the room with us.although as you know kids arn't going to tell you how they really got hurt sometimes if there parents are in the roombut it's the only way to go in this day and age

 

[grandma zaza]

b Rates for Children

I charge the same pay-rate as i do adults only i dont do a full hour because they dont need it (30 min - $45 and 45 min - $60), i also dont charge them more for home massages, but i do for adults(except pregnancy massage)

 

[loriel]

Rates for Children

I do have a signed consent form and make the parents sit in the room with us.

although as you know kids arn't going to tell you how they really got hurt sometimes if there parents are in the room but it's the only way to go in this day and age

I've worked on only 4 minors. I make the parent sign a consent form, and the parent must be in the room at the time of the massage. If the parent cannot stay for the session, the minor must leave ALL clothing on (well, except shoes and socks), the door is open, the light is on, and there is someone else nearby the door (the owner of the salon is a nail tech, and her station is about 5 feet away from my door). This, of course, doesn't really generate repeat business, but minors aren't exactly my market anyway. I charge the full fee. If it will only take 30 minutes to do the massage and I know this ahead of time, I will charge them for a 30 minute session, no discounts offered.

And with the moshing whiplash, I had that problem at a Slipknot concert, I couldn't move my head for almost a week. Mosh pits are fun, but not always worth the headache (literally) after the concert. (Notice I said not ALWAYS, lol. Static-X was worth it, hehehe.)

 

[Ben H]

Rates for Children/larger...

Charge your hourly rate, prorated. Just like you would for a very, very large person!

You charge more for fatter people?

Robyn(a fat MT)

 

[gina]

Rates for Children

I charge the same amount per minute that I do for an adult. Children come to me for all the same reasons that adults do... stress, pain, relaxation, posture problems...Working on smaller children takes less time of course, but teenagers take pretty much the same amount of time as adults. I always have a consent form signed by the parent, and I give the parent the option of being in the room or not. I've never had a parent choose to stay in the room, but my partner who who is male has.Also, with smaller children, I talk them through the entire massage, telling them exactly what I am doing and why. And I constantly ask them if the pressure is alright.-Melody

 

[SnowWhite]

An interesting subject here.  I recently gave birth to a child with spina bifida.  I found out when I was 20 wks along.  In the past I have done volunteer work with kids who have autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.  After finding out that I was going to be a parent to a special needs child my interest in working with special needs children spiked.  I think there are many, many reasons to use therapeutic massage as a treatment for minors.  I agree that parental involvement is required.  I recently have worked with a 9 yr old girl who suffers from anxiety disorder.  She has a very difficult time dealing with her emotions.  The quiet, relaxing atmosphere allows her a wonderful opportunity to learn how to listen to her body, and control it.  Currently, I am working at a day spa, but am doing all kinds of research to focus my business on children.Nanette

 

[NaTuReS BeAuTy]

I recently did a massage on a 13-year old girl, first time working on a child not my own. I played her Avril Lavigne CD (which I thought was a nice change) and she fell asleep on the table - what a compliment!What I wanted to bring up was about pressure.  I told her to let me know if at anytime my pressure was too much - she said ok.  A little while later I asked her "if I use too much pressure, would you tell me?" and she answered  "probably not".  So I explained to her the importance of speaking up and being honest, that it would not hurt my feelings or anything.  I think some kids are ingrained not to contradict adults and may find it hard to speak up - just something to be aware of.BTW, this child was an insurance client, and we didn't charge any different for her than any other client.  If she had been a cash client, I'd be inclined to charge less but since I'm an employee, it's not up to me.

 

[Mey]

Rates for Children/larger...

You charge more for fatter people?

Robyn(a fat MT)

I had ro re-read that twice, just to be sure thats what had been written. Charging different prices accoording to WEIGHT? Isnt that a bit discrimitory??

Karla (yet another fluffy MT!!)

 

[Pompal 09.]

Rates for Children

An interesting subject here.  I recently gave birth to a child with spina bifida.  I found out when I was 20 wks along.  In the past I have done volunteer work with kids who have autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.  After finding out that I was going to be a parent to a special needs child my interest in working with special needs children spiked.  I think there are many, many reasons to use therapeutic massage as a treatment for minors.  I agree that parental involvement is required.  I recently have worked with a 9 yr old girl who suffers from anxiety disorder.  She has a very difficult time dealing with her emotions.  The quiet, relaxing atmosphere allows her a wonderful opportunity to learn how to listen to her body, and control it.

The main reason I myself do not like to work on minors is that I'm a male. Males get enough flack as it is being a MT, with some females and some males thinking the touch would be inappropriate. I've explained it to the owner of the salon I work at as "The last thing we need is another Michael Jackson case, this time with a massage therapist." Being gay male is even worse, because being gay automatically seems to make me a pervert. Until people start to change their minds of gay males or male therapists, my boundaries in that area will stay strict.