10
Variables That Affect Compliance
Adapted from: Reavis, H., Jenson, W., Kukic, S.,
& Morgan, D. (Eds.), (1993). Technical Assistance Manuals.
Utah’s BEST Project: Behavioral and Educational Strategies for
Teachers. Salt Lake City, Ut: Utah State Office of Education.
1.
Use
the Child’s Name: Addressing the child by
name may feel more personal to both of you. Additionally, it
will get the child’s attention.
2. Make
Statements: The use of a question reduces
compliance. Make direct, concise statements. Example: “You may
have a cookie at snack time” is more effective than “We’re not
eating cookies now, okay?”
3. Shorten
the Distance: It is better to make a request
up close (3 feet or less) than from longer distances (across the
room or yard).
4. Make
Eye Contact: Look into the child’s eyes or
wait for the child to look into your eyes when making a
request. HOWEVER: Some children may appears fearful or
anxious. Do not turn this into a power struggle.
5. Limit
to 1-2 Requests: It is better to give the
same request only once or twice than to give it several times
(nag). Rephrase the second statement if needed. Avoid “rapid
fire” requests such as “please put the toys away, please keep
your hands to yourself, and put your coat on so that you can go
outside.”
6. Lower
the Volume: It is more effective to make a
request in a soft, but firm, voice than a loud voice. Example:
“It’s time to wash your hands for lunch.” Avoid yelling when
making a request to get attention.
7. Allow
Some Time: Give the child time to comply
after giving a request (3-5 seconds). During this short
interval, do NOT converse with the child (who may be arguing,
excuse making). Simply look at the child and wait for
compliance.
8. Use
“Start” Requests: It is more effective to
make positive requests for a child to start an appropriate
behavior rather than requests to stop a behavior. Example:
“It’s time to clean up.” or “Use an inside voice” rather than
“Stop making such a mess” or “Don’t yell.” Start requests also
help children learn what they can do instead.
9. Remain
Calm: It is better to control your own
uncomfortable emotions when making a request instead of yelling,
name calling, quilt-inducing statements and rough handling of
the child). Emotional responses decrease compliance and may
escalate the situation.
10. Use
Descriptive Requests: Requests that are clear
and descriptive are better than ambiguous or global requests.
Example: “Please put the Barbies in the blue tub” instead of
“Please put the Barbies away.”
11.
Reinforce Compliance: It is easy to request a
behavior from a child then ignore the result. Be genuine about
your acknowledgment. Example: “You are doing such a great job
waiting” or “Wow, look at you, your body is really calm right
now.”
Sacred
Mountain Healing Center,
LLC
