1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12

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Summary: Relief!
Review: I too found behaviorial differences in my child and consequently in myself within the first 24 hour of implementing the strategy found within the first 5 pages of this book. (I don't know the exact page as I loaned the book to a friend!)

Rating:
Summary: 1-2-3 Magic
Review: This book makes a difference that you would never imagine possible. Within 48 hours my 5 & 7 year old were different children. It is presented in a humorous yet truthful and scientific way. When you sit back and think about it, kids are not born with manners and respect. They have to learn it in a way that their psychological ages are able to process and learn it. We lose sight of their comprehension ability. If you find yourself repeating the same lines over and over in frustration, read this book and change your household! Loved it!

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Summary: Learning not to Listen
Review: This book is all about learning how NOT to listen to your children. I had heard about the book and thought it sounded interesting so I decided to read through it. Yuck! It takes the approach that children are like rats - don't find out what they're thinking but instead train them with the equivelance of small electric shocks. Yes, they will learn to avoid the time-outs. But, if there is a bigger problem will you ever find out what it is? Will you be there to help them solve it? Not if you use Dr. Phalen's method! While I know it will work for some problems, it should only be used in addition to listening, careful examination of the rules of the house, and true caring. Real listening is not 'giving in', as one reviewer stated. It is caring more about your child's wellbeing than about anything else.

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Summary: Peace at last
Review: I can not wait to implement this behavior plan. I am starting as soon the kids come home from school. I already count, but generally my kids just ignore me. It is because I do all the extra talking and I don't follow through. I never had a plan before. I believe this will really work. I also agree with the author that is all the extra talking and the negative emotions that drag down a child's self esteem. YAY! An effective discipline plan finally. Peace will reign in our house and my husband and I will finally be in charge.

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Summary: Life-saving book!
Review: This book changed my life, as the mom of a very strong-willed daughter. I bought this book when she was three and was disturbing the peace for our whole family. Within two days I saw a VERY big improvement in her behavior and our friends even said she seemed happier, knowing what the rules were. Three years later we still use the methods in this book, though she doesn't need it much any more. I mostly use these tips on her younger sister who's inherited the role of problem child in the family. Great book!

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Summary: Who rules YOUR house? YOU or your KIDS?
Review: Reading through the reviews of those who did not like this book, I got one message loud and clear.. kids are so messed up these days because Parents can't tell them "no". They've been PSYCHO-BABBLED into believing their kids need to have input into how they're raised, that they have a voice, and negotiating power. Parents have confused Love and Discipline with taking away their kid's rights? What rights? They have the right to have food, shelter, love, discipline and an education. If every parent out there employed the "1 2 3 Magic" system in their home, they would find the NEGOTIATING their kids use to get what they want (and successfully, too), will end. Privileges will be earned and then cherished, and not continuously taken for granted. One reader claimed that this book only changes the bad behavior... what? Isn't that the goal? Parents: Quit trying to be your kid's buddy, and start being a role model of self-discipline and success. I think that this book can put parents on the right track, at the very least, to gaining back the control that they keep giving away. We wonder why kids are killing kids.. we blame the guns, the gun manufacturers, music, hollywood, etc, but what it all boils down to is PARENTS AFRAID OF BEING PARENTS. So you tell your kids "1..2..3.." and your kid makes the choice to suffer the consequences.... how is that damaging? READ THIS BOOK if you want YOUR rights as a PARENT reinstated. It needs to be passed out in the maternity ward as far as I'm concerned....

Rating:
Summary: Sure it "works", but at what cost?
Review: Yes, 1-2-3 Magic can "work" for the parents, but what is it teaching the child? There are much better books to spend money on that offer many suggestions for problem solving with children, setting limits respectfully and truly teaching children. This method sends the wrong message to the child. Sure I can say, "There is no discussion", but I don't need to start counting numbers --that's demeaning to my child.

Rating:
Summary: Simple and easy!
Review: My kids are independent and have their own opinions but many times they push and manipulate. This has helped stop many problems in their tracks and ended the yelling and arguments in our house. The author is straight forward and easy to understand and he gives easy to follow steps. This really works like magic if used correctly!

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Summary: I am not a wimp, but this book is ridiculously punitive
Review: I am not a wimpy parent, and I'm not one of those who thinks an occasional spank will damage my kids' psyche forever, but this book is just way too punitive, period. According to this book, every time your child opens her mouth, you shut her down before she can get out two words. Now, in my house, my husband and I are the bosses of our children, but come on! Don't kids get ANY credit for having an opinion? I usually donate my used books, but was afraid this book would fall into the hands of someone who'd take it seriously, so I THREW IT IN THE TRASH.

Rating:
Summary: The best discipline system. Period.
Review: As a mental health professional for over 16 years, I've found 123 Magic to be the most powerful method of managing kids ages 2-12yrs. that I've ever come across. I've been recommending it to my clients for over 7 years and for many of them it really does work like magic. Down-to-earth, straight-forward, humorous and practical, 123 Magic is truly a godsend for kids and families. Dr. Phelan has made an extraordinary contribution to the field of children's mental health and to parents with 123 Magic. Whether you're a parent or a professional, 123 Magic is a must read!