Petite Pampering: Spa Treatments For Kids
Many moms know the benefits of a soothing pedicure or hydrating body rub to chase away stress. Nowadays, treatments for kids are starting to pop up on the menus of many spas. While there have been questions raised about the safety and propriety of bringing kids as young as five to get pampered just like mom, spa treatments that are specially customized for children, rather than adult-size services, may be a great way to get in some bonding time and R-and-R.
Teen Dream
The number of teens hitting the spas has also drastically increased in the last few years. Teens can enjoy a wider range of services: whether it’s to treat skin problems like acne with a series of calming facials or to celebrate a birthday or prepare for prom. Skin care and nail services, makeup lessons and waxing have started to become standard among many among the 13-plus crowd. Some of the places that offer skin care lessons and spa treatments in Vancouver that are designed for teens include Le Petit Spa, the Fairmont Hotel, Pacific Palisades and Absolute Spa.
Starter Services
Mbody Spa in Vancouver offers “My First Spa Services” that are tailored for children aged 5-11 (parents need to be present). Children can visit the poolside Kids Cabana for spa experiences like the Little Mermaid Mani (15 mins, $25), which includes a soak, tropical fruit hand massage and sparkle polish. Or, they can opt for the Jitter Critters Massage (15 mins, $25), with a back, foot and head massage featuring lavender, tropical fruit, strawberry or root beer hydrating lotion. Teens (12-17), have their choice of treatments like the Glamour Girl ($110, 75 mins) with a manicure, pedicure, exfoliation and massage. Also, check their site for birthday party options.
The Royal Treatment
The Hairloft on Granville Island offers a Princess Spa package, a variety of unique spa services for kids, including the Princess Spa Package, which includes a hair updo, application of light makeup and nail polish. They also offer birthday party services for parties of up to 12 – check out the Silver package: a hair updo, light makeup, nail polish, sparkle, and temporary hair colour application, along with a snack, entertainment and gift for each child. (The cost is $35 per girl plus a 10% service fee). Princess Spa also offers other services such as first hair cuts for kids and ear piercing.
Things To Know
While many spas in Vancouver will accommodate little ones for a treatment like a pedicure or manicure, it’s important to remember that many treatments are best left for mom. Sauna services or full body wraps aren’t suitable for kids, so stick to ones that have been designed specifically for children. Most places won’t perform certain services on chidren anyways, and there are usually regulations for kids’ treatments – parents may be required to sign a release form beforehand and be present during the spa experience.
And just like wearing makeup, you’ll have to decide when – and if – your child is ready for a spa appointment.
VancouverMom.ca Reader Question: What’s your view on the spa experience for children?
