As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power of words. A few well-chosen words can induce hypnosis and help my clients with a wide range of problems. I specialise in confidence, self esteem and stress management, so I am particularly interested in the ways in which we influence our own self esteem, and that of others, through use of language.
It makes me wince sometimes, listening to parents speaking to their children. "Are you stupid?" "You naughty boy!" and a personal un-favourite "If you carry on like this you're going to . . . "
Don't these parents realise what they're doing? Everything we say -- to ourselves and to others -- has predictive power. Not in the sense of a clairvoyant, but because we are creating self-fulfilling prophecies. Tell yourself that you can, and you will. Tell yourself that you can't, and you won't.
Of course, life isn't simply a matter of setting ourselves up with cosy predictions. We still have to do the work. But without self belief, that work becomes harder because it seems impossible. This applies to people of all ages. Just think how much more powerful words are for children, particularly when they come from an authority figure such as a parent or teacher.
How can parents best help their children? Positive parenting is a good first step -- focus on rewarding 'good' behaviours rather than punishing 'bad'ones. We can go much further than this, however. We can set our children up for success, relaxation and happiness.
An example from my own family may help. To encourage my nine year old's writing I asked him to imagine walking through town when he's grown up and entering a bookshop. There's something familiar about the display in front of him, and as he draws nearer he sees his own name and photo on the dust cover. It's a strong image and one which has struck a chord with him. We chat about this from time to time, and he's started to ask about literary agents and the whole process of getting a book published. In other words, he's made the transition towards believing that he could be an author.
Children are exceptionally trusting. Describe happy futures and they will work towards these with the same energy which they put into Christmas present lists. Above all, we need to mind our language as parents, and ask ourselves what predictions we are making for our children when we speak to them.
Jim Sullivan is a hypnotherapist specialising in confidence, self esteem and stress management. He may be contacted via http://www.confidenceclub.net
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Recess has begun disappearing in states all around the country.... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
So your little Susie wants to join a competitive gymnastic... Read More
Speaking as a Michael (a Hebrew name, meaning "Who is... Read More
It was no contest. Given a choice between a ball... Read More
Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More
Your child's first year of school should be a fun... Read More
A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit how... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
Parents are always looking for ways to open up the... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More
O.K. So now you have taken the step of having... Read More
A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by... Read More
We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More
1. The Law of the BeastAs parents we need to... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
Minus all meningitis thoughts. The flu symptons were strong. Headache,... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Parenting |