I have read something very similar to this in
How to Really Parent Your Child by Ross Campbell. I do really like his book. But like everything I have done up till now I never stick with anything for long. I usually am just trying to find a solution for yesterdays dilemma and in 6mos I've forgotten all about it. Odd though that here I am and this is being recomended to me again! I really did like the outcome though when using them as steps.
For real life application questions though...Has the 5 steps proven more successful for you only with younger children? How would you incorporate it with a 6 and 7yo? For ex. 6 & 7yo playing in room, you pop in ask them to get ready for bed, minutes later they are still giggling and clearly playing, pop in and tell them to get pajamas on and such, minutes later ask if they need help getting ready? And then what? What if they don't comply but there is no need for a 'bear hug'?