NLP For Teens & Children

Although NLP is most commonly utilized in the worlds of adult therapy and business, it can be equally as powerful in work with other age groups as well. You can achieve equal success using NLP with children and teens.

In the NLP toolkit, there are many items that can be used with children. Some of the key patterns include the following:

Pacing. In NLP, ‘pacing’ is the term that applies to matching or mirroring another person in order to establish rapport. Not to be confused with mimicry, it is a way of complementing their behavior and demonstrating support at an unconscious level. It is a great way to create an instant bond with younger individuals. Getting down on their physical level and matching their tone, facial expression, movements and vocal rate of speech are fast and simple ways to rapidly establish a connection, and is a powerful strategy of NLP for teens and children.

Using their maps of the world. Using their terms and language to communicate. Utilizing ideas and conceptual frameworks they use and can relate to.

Anchoring. This is a great technique to use with kids because they respond to it so rapidly and effectively. You can anchor a laugh, giggle, or any other positive or happy state with kids. The anchor can be anything from touching their ear to a unique facial expression, and can be triggered later on when you want to create a positive state change.

Metaphors. Children — and people in general— love and relate to stories. Metaphorical stories are a great way of using NLP with children to instruct the unconscious mind as well as a way of relating to their map of the world.

Leading. Once you have established rapport through matching and mirroring, you can then lead them to pick up their toys, clean their room or work on that special project.

When working with teens almost all the same tools apply as with adults, but with special emphasis on the following:

Be aware of their map of the world. Teens have a very unique map of the world. Recent research shows that their brains haven’t fully developed the same level of decision-making abilities as adults. Be aware of current fads, pop culture and terminology being used, but be careful in how you match them since most teens will rapidly peg you as a phony if you are too overt. Be ready to meet them where they’re at with the world.

Anchors. Things you think would have positive association may have negative associations and may elicit negative emotions and vice-versa. Things you think may have a negative association may actually have a positive association and elicit positive emotions. Be aware of this and be ready to use it during your conversation.

Language Patterns. Be aware of certain terms and catchphrases and be ready to ‘parrot-phrase’ (duplicate word-for-word) exactly the same phrase or words the teen is using. When done skillfully, this will help you enter their world and build rapport more quickly.

The above patterns are just some of the powerful tools that can be used an integral part of NLP for teens and children. Remember to maintain behavioral flexibility when working with both groups. This is critical to all successful communication. The person with the most behavioral flexibility will control the interaction.

For more information on successfully using NLP with children and NLP for teens, contact an NLP training company.

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