As parents, giving direction and correction to our children is not always met with enthusiasm. More frequently, children respond with resistance and negativity. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “secret weapon” that can help us speak in a way that children are willing to hear and receive our message? You may be surprised to find that using hypnotic language does just that.
What is hypnotic language? I’m glad you asked. It is language that avoids resistance by speaking directly to the subconscious instead of the conscious mind. For example, here are two ways of talking to your child about cleaning their room:
“If you will clean your room, I will take you to get ice cream.”
“When your room is clean, we will get ice cream to celebrate.”
The second sentence assumes that the child will clean their room by using the word “when” instead of “if” and speaks to the child’s motivation by using the word “celebrate” (who doesn’t want their clean room celebrated?). The first sentence leaves the option open for the room to remain dirty by using the word “if” and offers the ice cream as a reward but without celebration.
This is just one example of how powerful words are at motivating behavior and directing desires. I’m sure you can recall specific examples from your own life of when certain words have influenced you to either make an effort to do better or discouraged you to the point of failure. Being aware of the language we are using is the first step in being intentional about using language to help instead of hurt. You may be surprised as you listen to yourself talk and take advantage of those opportunities to use language for encouragement and motivation, that it becomes easier and automatic over time.
If you are dubious about the power of words, in general, and hypnotic language, specifically, I would encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day and check out the following videos on YouTube:
“How words affect us… and our cells”, TED-Ed Student talks, Jackson Drew and “The Power of Words”, TED x NSU, Taylor Bertolini
Want to learn more about hypnotic language can help you with more than parenting? Check out more helpful hypnosis tips on my blog or book a session today.
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