Is Sound Healing Safe for All Children? Important Considerations for Parents & Practitioners

You may have heard of sound baths for adults and even attended one yourself but is sound healing safe for children?

Sound healing is a gentle and non-invasive practice that is suitable for most people, including children. Even those with hearing impairments can benefit from the vibrational qualities of sound healing. However, when working with children, certain adjustments may be necessary to ensure the session is both effective and engaging.

Making Sound Healing Accessible for Children

Children respond differently to sound healing compared to adults. Their natural inclination towards play and exploration means that a traditional sound healing session may not always be the best fit. Instead, child-led and play-based approaches can be more effective, allowing them to engage in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Sessions may incorporate movement, interactive elements, and a flexible structure to maintain their interest and engagement.

Considerations for Children with Additional Needs

Children with additional physical and learning needs (SEND) can also benefit from sound healing. However, it is important to ensure their unique needs are met. While group sound baths may be enjoyable for some, others may find a one-to-one session more suitable. Personalised sessions allow for tailored support, ensuring the experience is both calming and beneficial.

When Might Adjustments Be Needed?

Although sound healing is generally safe for children, there are a few scenarios where adjustments may be necessary:

- Volume control - whilst it is important not to expose ourselves to loud sounds it is even more important for young children who’s hearing is stil developing and therefore more sensitive. When choosing a sound bath, look for ones that aren’t excessively loud.

- Sensory Sensitivities – Some children may find certain sounds overwhelming. A practitioner can adjust the volume, frequency, or type of instruments used to create a more comfortable experience.

- Attention and Engagement – Younger children or those with neurodivergent traits may struggle with stillness. A more interactive session can help maintain their interest.

- Physical Comfort – Ensuring children have appropriate seating or space to move around freely can enhance their experience.

Conclusion

Sound healing is a wonderful practice that can support children’s emotional and physical well-being. While it is suitable for most, some adjustments may be required to cater to their individual needs. Whether in a group or one-to-one setting, a flexible, child-led approach ensures that each child receives the full benefits of this soothing practice.

For those interested in learning how to share sound healing with children, our courses, The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children and the bolt-on course The Foundations of Sound (for those not yet qualified in sound healing), offer comprehensive training. Join our global community of teachers, nurses, parents, and healers who are committed to bringing sound healing to young people. Gain the confidence to be an engaging and empowering sound healer for children from utero to university.

How Does Sound Healing Help Children to Relax & Sleep Better?

How Do Sound Baths Work?

Sound baths are deeply relaxing experiences where soothing sounds and vibrations from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and chimes help to calm the nervous system. These healing frequencies work by decreasing anxiety, reducing physical pain, and improving sleep quality. The immersive soundscape allows the body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation, promoting overall well-being. Learn more about relaxation benefits here.

How Does This Apply to Children?

Children, just like adults, experience stress, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. However, their shorter attention spans and natural inclination toward movement mean that traditional sound baths may not always be ideal. Having worked with children for many years, I understand the importance of meeting them where they are.

For sound healing sessions to be engaging and beneficial for children, they should be interactive, fun, and appropriately timed. Sessions can start short, gradually increasing in duration as children become familiar with the practice. I cover this in greater depth, with real-life examples, in my course The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children.

How Can Sound Baths Be More Interactive?

To make sound healing engaging for children:

• Encourage participation: Ask children questions like, “What does this instrument sound like to you?” or “How does this sound make you feel?”

• Allow vocal and body expression: Let children make their own sounds using their voices and body percussion.

• Incorporate movement: Sound baths don’t have to be stationary—children can sway or dance to engage with the sound.

• Let them play the instruments: Giving children hands-on experience with sound instruments enhances their connection to the healing process.

Will My Child Benefit If They Don’t Lie Down Quietly?

Absolutely! Sound healing is absorbed through the entire body, not just the ears. Vibrations from sound instruments are received by receptors on the skin, which means children can still benefit while playing, moving, or even sleeping. There is no need to pressure them to sit still or be silent—they will receive the therapeutic effects naturally.

Does It Have to Be an In-Person Session?

No, while face-to-face sound healing sessions are wonderful because they allow the practitioner to tailor the experience in real-time, listening online can be just as beneficial.

Some advantages of online sound healing for children include:

• The comfort of being at home

• The ability to listen repeatedly, reinforcing relaxation and routine

• A tool for calm and emotional regulation

• A soothing background for playtime, creativity, homework, or bedtime

• Can be used as a lullaby substitute for improved sleep

For bedtime sessions, be sure to minimise screen exposure beforehand to avoid overstimulation.

More Benefits of Sound Baths for Children

Sound healing offers many benefits beyond relaxation and sleep, including:

• Boosting imagination: Helps children develop creativity and self-expression

• Building self-esteem: Encourages confidence and self-acceptance

• Emotional regulation: Aids in processing and managing emotions

• Creating equality: Removes hierarchies—all participants are equal regardless of age, background, or experience

• Providing a well-being toolkit: Equips children with lifelong tools for stress relief and self-care

Final Thoughts

Sound baths are a gentle yet powerful way to help children relax, regulate their emotions, and improve their sleep patterns. I have seen firsthand how transformative this practice can be for children of all ages. If you're interested in learning how to integrate sound healing into children's lives, my course The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children offers practical guidance, interactive techniques, and expert insights.

The Healing Power of Sound: Unlocking Benefits for Children

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, stress and anxiety are becoming all too common for children. As parents, educators, and caregivers, it’s essential to explore holistic, non-invasive approaches to foster well-being in our little ones. One such approach gaining traction is sound healing—an ancient practice that uses sound vibrations to restore balance and promote healing. The results? Remarkable benefits, especially for children.

Having spent over a decade working with children and collaborating with audiologists, psychologists, teachers, and sound experts, I’ve extensively researched this field to create The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children. This six-module course is tailored for sound healers eager to confidently work with children, from utero to university.

My Journey into Sound Healing with Children

When parents first asked me to run sound healing sessions for their children, I hesitated. While I believed in its potential benefits, I was concerned about how children would handle delicate instruments and whether they could sit through the structured format of traditional sound baths.

I decided to start small, offering mother-and-baby day retreats. During my first session with Holly Husler, I watched in awe as fractious babies calmed down, utterly mesmerized by the sounds. The mothers visibly relaxed too, grateful for a restorative experience they could enjoy with their little ones.

Encouraged by these results, I expanded to family sessions with babies and saw similar success. But when it came to older children, my concerns about the fragility of instruments and the need for a more interactive format lingered. Families continued to ask for sessions, which inspired me to redesign the traditional sound healing model to better suit children’s needs and behaviors.

What is Sound Healing?

Sound healing uses specific frequencies and vibrations to recalibrate the body's energy, promoting harmony and well-being. Since everything in the universe vibrates at different frequencies, soothing sounds can help restore balance when we experience dis-ease or emotional imbalance.

Benefits of Sound Healing for Children

1. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
In a world filled with academic pressures and social challenges, sound healing provides a sanctuary. Gentle sounds, like singing bowls or chimes, create a serene environment, helping children relax, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.

2. Enhances Focus and Concentration
With constant stimulation from screens and activities, many children struggle with focus. Sound healing engages the auditory system, stimulating neural pathways to enhance cognitive abilities and concentration.

3. Encourages Emotional Regulation and Expression
Through instruments like drums or rain sticks, children can explore and release emotions in a safe, creative way. Sound vibrations help dissipate stagnant emotional energy, fostering emotional balance.

4. Supports Neural Development and Language Skills
Studies show that exposure to sound and music enhances early neural development and auditory processing skills. Activities like rhythmic chanting or playing simple instruments boost speech, memory, and language abilities.

5. Fosters Social Connections
Group sound healing activities—like chanting or guided meditations—help children connect, fostering empathy, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.

6. Stimulates Imaginative Play
Visualizations paired with soothing soundscapes encourage children to explore their inner worlds, enhancing creativity and self-awareness.

A Unique Approach to Sound Healing with Children

Drawing from my 16 years of experience working with children, I’ve made sound healing sessions engaging and interactive, tailored to their energy and needs. Children don’t need to sit still or “pay attention” to benefit from sound healing. Vibrations work on a quantum level, absorbed not just through the ears but also through the skin's receptors.

During my sessions, children can read, color, play, or simply cuddle with a parent. There’s space for silliness, movement, and moments of peace. These sessions are as much for the adults as they are for the little ones, creating a shared space of calm and connection.

Preparing for a Session

To make the most of a session:

• Bring anything your family needs to stay comfortable—water, books, coloring supplies, or puzzles.

• Be prepared for a mix of playfulness and calm that might leave you all ready for bed!

Creating a Course for Sound Healers

The overwhelmingly positive feedback I’ve received from families inspired me to create The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children. This six-module course equips sound healers to confidently work with children of all ages, offering them the tools to tailor sessions to children’s unique needs and behaviors.

By blending extensive research with hands-on experience, I’ve crafted a program that provides a thorough understanding of children’s developmental, emotional, and auditory needs. This course bridges the gap between sound healing and working with young people, ensuring a safe, effective, and joyful experience for all.

Conclusion

Sound healing is a powerful tool to nurture emotional well-being, cognitive growth, and social harmony in children. By integrating this practice into their lives, we can create a supportive environment that fosters their holistic development. While it’s not a replacement for professional healthcare, sound healing is a wonderful complementary practice to bring balance and calm into our children’s lives.

Let me know your thoughts or if you'd like to explore how sound healing can make a difference for the children in your life!