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The Age for NLP While the age of NLP extends beyond three decades, one important question to consider is at what age is it appropriate to teach NLP to children? Obviously, it is appropriate to teach a specific NLP concept to anyone who can benefit from it, but at what age is it appropriate for a child to attend a full NLP Practitioner Training. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, which will be discussed below. The first question that should be asked to determine if an NLP training is appropriate for a child relates to the content presented by a given trainer. This is similar to considering whether or not an “R” rated movie is appropriate for a child. Some NLP trainings may use language and content that is appropriate for adults rather than children. In such a situation, the age appropriateness of the material would have to be considered before allowing a child to attend. Barring any content problems, the second question that should be asked is whether or not the child is capable of grasping the material. To answer this, it may be important to consider the findings of Jean Piaget, best known for his organization of cognitive development into four distinct stages. Piaget four stages include birth to age 2, Sensorimotor Stage, ages 2 to 7, Preoperational Stage, ages 7 to 11, Concrete Operational Stage, and ages 11 and up, Formal Operational Stage. According to Piaget's theory, children develop the ability to think logically about concrete events in the Concrete Operational Stage and develop their abstract reasoning skills after age 11 in the Formal Operational Stage. Based on Piaget’s cognitive development model, it would seem that some of the advanced models presented in the practitioner model may be appropriate for a child in the Formal Operational Stage with some of the basic NLP material being appropriate for a child in the Concrete Operational Stage. At the same time, it is generally believed that a person's mental programs are formed by age 6, which according to Piaget, is when a child is still integrating their motor skills. In spite of Piaget's theories, more and more abstract skills are being taught to children at younger ages. For example, material such as multiplication, once covered in later grades, is now being taught in some kindergarten classes as pressure for performance in education continues to increase. This trend supports the idea of having a child, as young as 5 or 6, attend an NLP Practitioner training. The youngest age that I've heard of attending an NLP Practitioner was age 6, which was intended to capitalize on the receptiveness of the age. Although the maturity and mental ability of the child should always be considered, it seems that age 5 or 6 may be the lower limit of appropriateness. Related to mental ability is the child's ability to focus for extended periods of time. In addition to appropriateness of ability, mental ability, and maturity, and the ability to focus, some other considerations are described below. Perhaps one of the most important questions to consider is whether or not the child wants to attend the practitioner. While most parents want the best for their children, it is important to distinguish between the wish of the parent and the wish of the child. Anyone who studies NLP can easily see the benefit that it would afford even the most gifted child. As such, it is easy to understand why a parent would want their child to learn NLP. More importantly is the need to have the child communicate why they would want to learn NLP. Lastly, it is crucial that any child attending an NLP Practitioner Training have an adult accompany them. This facet is important for the child as well as other participants. The most important reason for an adult companion is the welfare of the child. A week long program is a long time for an adult, let alone a child. Therefore, it would be appropriate for an adult companion to help the child through the long and sometimes challenging experience. As a proponent of NLP, I believe its value is limitless. However, timing is important. Considering the above elements, I think it is possible to create a situation in which a child is able to attend an NLP Practitioner Training in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
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