nudge
Definitions
To prod or push someone gently, typically with one's elbow, in order to attract their attention.
To encourage or urge someone to do something in a gentle or subtle way.
A slight push or touch, especially one given with the elbow.
Examples
She gave him a gentle nudge to wake him up for the meeting.
The teacher tried to nudge the students toward finding the answer themselves.
A small nudge in the right direction was all he needed to finish the project.