Winning Children's Compliance: Learning the Nuts and Bolts of Persuasive Discipline

Persuasive Discipline: Using Power Messages and Suggestions to Influence Children Toward Positive Behavior is an education and teaching book by Carmen Y. Reyes, The Psycho-Educational Teacher. On this innovative guide, readers venture into the fascinating realm of persuasive communication, learning 31 language-based discipline techniques that influence positive behavior in children. The most compelling lesson learned in this child guidance guide is that, to improve our ability in disciplining children, we do not need flamboyant techniques or procedures; we just need better communication and persuasion skills. Generally speaking, persuasion is the process of communicating using just the right words to get the positive outcome we want. Most specifically, in persuasive discipline, we use specific language patterns and ways of talking to shift a child’s attitude and mind-set from noncompliance to compliance. Simply put, when we persuade, we control and change behavior. Some of the techniques introduced in this book may be part of our repertoire already; we just need to be aware of their rich influential value, so that we learn how to articulate our messages in a more influential way. Other techniques, although well-known by persuasion experts, are less familiar to an average teacher or parent. Carmen Y. Reyes guides readers in how to apply these techniques to both the classroom and the home setting.

Persuasion Techniques

1.     Assume that What You Want is True

2.     Use Positive Directions

3.     Point Out an Acceptable Alternative

4.     Use More “Start” Messages and Fewer “Stop” Messages

5.     Replace the Word “Start” with the Word “Continue”

6.     State Rules Impersonally

7.     Give Alpha Commands

8.     Give More Requests and Fewer Commands

9.     Give Choices to the Child

10.  Use Forced Choices

11.  Ask Leading Questions

12.  Manipulate the Size of the Request to Make it Look Smaller or Bigger

13.  Buttering Up

14.  Use Pauses

15.  Visualizing

16.  Wondering

17.  Use Odd Numbers

18.  Linking

19.  Use Repetition

20.  Use Power Sentences

21.  Use Power Paragraphs

22.  Use Hidden Commands

23.  Use Suggestions

24.  Establish Rapport

25.  Use Mirroring with Exchanged Matching

26.  Use Matched Vocabulary or Matched Speech

27.  Pace and Lead

28.  The Voice Regulation Technique

29.  Use Discipline Anchors

30.  Use Space Anchors

31.  Get a Commitment from the Child

To Preview this Book on Amazon.com, click here.
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