Final answer:
The most effective non-coercive response to inconsequential behavior is to use logical consequences, which teaches children the impact of their actions without instilling fear or aggression.
Step-by-step explanation:
An effective way to respond non-coercively to inconsequential behavior is to use logical consequences. Logical consequences are a way to help children understand the results of their actions without using fear or physical force. This technique is aligned with the concept that punishment, while it might momentarily stop a behavior, can have longer-lasting negative effects, such as teaching fear or contributing to aggressive and antisocial behavior. For example, a time-out from playing on a playground could teach a child that pushing is not acceptable in a non-coercive manner. Advocates for this approach believe in reinforcement over punishment, suggesting it's better to catch your child doing something good and reward them for it.