Last weekend, under the bright morning sun, CanLove Association hosted a Parent-Child Rhythm Therapy Workshop with a focus on olfactory themes. Families from diverse backgrounds gathered to participate in activities centered around the sense of smell. These sessions not only enhanced parent-child interactions but also taught children how to use their sense of smell to explore and understand the world.
The workshop began with a fun challenge, “Find Your Favorite Scent.” Parents and children ventured into Nangang Park, guided by volunteers with various essential oil fragrances. They explored the park to discover their preferred scents. The children used their sense of smell to inspire colorful drawings on paper, creating imaginative scent-based artwork that became a memorable representation of the essential oil experience.
After returning to the classroom, children and parents entered a star-filled space that resembled a serene ocean environment. Guided by soothing instructions from the teacher and surrounded by a calming atmosphere, the children felt relaxed and became more aware of their emotions, akin to being immersed in a tranquil marine world, fostering closeness and emotional connection. Additionally, they explored various food ingredients, using their sense of smell to identify different aromas from fruits and vegetables, experiencing the emotions and sensations that different scents evoke.
Another highlight of the day was making massage oil. Using emulsifying thickening agents, hydrosols, and sweet almond oil, parents and children crafted natural lotions to nourish both body and mind. Afterward, the children gave their parents massages, creating a deeply satisfying and intimate experience. For example, Xiao Jun, a lively and cheerful boy, used the massage process to strengthen his bond with his mother and discovered a new way to express his love.
**Heartfelt Feedback: Full of Warmth**
As the workshop concluded, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, filled with warmth and gratitude. Parents and children alike appreciated the creative and therapeutic activities, noting the deepened connections and the joy of shared experiences. The day’s events left everyone with lasting memories and a renewed sense of closeness and emotional well-being.