I liked getting sat on when I was a kid.  True story! The pressure felt safe and…relieving somehow. Although my son hasn’t asked to be sat on, he does like hugging contests, which can get pretty smooshy too.

Almost invariably at the end of kids’ yoga, children want me to roll them up in their mat.  “Roll me up like sushi!” they cry.

Of course, smooshing isn’t new.  Since time immemorial people have been swaddling their babies to emulate the warmth and comfort of the womb.  Those of us that work with kids are probably familiar with deep pressure therapy used to calm the nervous system.

So, the next time your child is being a little wild, offer them a hugging contest or a yoga mat swaddle.  Perhaps they just need a good smoosh!