Express Sympathy

Express Sympathy

Using the sympathy technique can be very disarming—and very effective in handling students who create habitual discipline problems.

When using this technique, simply begin by saying, “I’m sorry this happened to you,” or “I feel bad for you,” or “I’m sorry because I know this has to be very tough on you.”

This approach takes away the personal power that drives their motivation. To get it back, they have to respond with a “can-do” or “will-do” stance.