The 123 Magic program is a parenting technique that focuses on discipline and maintaining control in the household. It was developed by Dr. Thomas Phelan, a clinical psychologist and expert in child behavior. The program is based on the concept of counting to three as a way to provide consequences and enforce boundaries with children. The core idea of the 123 Magic program is to give children a warning and an opportunity to correct their behavior before consequences are given. When a child misbehaves, the parent calmly says "That's one" and then allows a brief period of time for the child to adjust their behavior.
1-2-3 Magic Parenting Curriculum
The three-session Shared Psychological Appointment (SPA) is designed to offer training, support, and insight into parenting strategies which utilize an evidence based behavior modification curriculum developed by clinical psychologist, Thomas Phelan, PhD. The group is designed for parents of children ages 4-12 years old with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Groups are for parents only; no childcare will be provided.
The group targets numerous parenting skills including:
- Establishing routines.
- Developing healthy relationships.
- Stopping obnoxious behavior.
- Disengaging from arguing and nagging.
- Being authoritative.
When a child misbehaves, the parent calmly says "That's one" and then allows a brief period of time for the child to adjust their behavior. If the child continues to misbehave, the parent says "That's two" and again provides an opportunity to correct the behavior. If the misbehavior persists, the parent says "That's three" and delivers a consequence, such as a time-out or loss of privilege.
Group Details
Session Purposes
*All sessions are for parents only. No childcare is provided.
Session 1
The goal of the first session of the 1-2-3 Magic Parenting group is to establish parenting goals, learn the basic mechanics of the curriculum and understand the appropriate mindset for implementing the program effectively.
Session 2
The goal of the second session is to discuss using the 1-2-3 Magic curriculum in various settings. As the context of parenting changes, so must the parenting strategies change to meet the needs of life outside the home.
Session 3
The third and final session of the group reviews strategies for increasing your child’s positive behavior, accomplishing routines efficiently, and developing healthy familial relationships.
Dates
Classes are held on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- February 5, 12, and 19, 2024
- May 6, 13, and 20, 2024
- August 5, 12, and 19, 2024
- October 7, 14, and 21, 2024
The program emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and neutral when counting, avoiding excessive explanation or negotiation with the child. By setting clear expectations and consequences, the 123 Magic program aims to create a structured environment where children learn to take responsibility for their actions. The 123 Magic program has gained popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness. Many parents find that it helps to reduce power struggles and increase cooperation in the household. It is often used with children between the ages of 2 and 12, but can be adapted for children of different ages and developmental stages. It is important to note that the 123 Magic program is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not work for every family or child. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or parenting expert before implementing any discipline technique. Additionally, the program works best when used in conjunction with positive reinforcement and open communication with children..
Reviews for "From Chaos to Calm: Using the 123 Magic Program to Restore Peace in Your Home"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I tried the "123 magic program" with my 6-year-old son and was extremely disappointed. The whole concept of counting to three and giving a timeout just didn't work for us. My son would often just laugh and continue misbehaving. I found it to be ineffective and frustrating, and it didn't provide any real strategies for addressing the root causes of his behavior. Overall, I don't recommend this program for parents looking for a more effective discipline approach.
2. Ryan - 1 star - I had heard great things about the "123 magic program" so I decided to give it a try with my 4-year-old daughter. However, I found it to be overly simplistic and lacking in nuance. Counting to three and giving timeouts may work for some children, but it completely failed with my daughter. She would often push the boundaries and continue misbehaving even after reaching three. I didn't find any practical solutions or strategies in this program, and it left me feeling frustrated and defeated as a parent.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - I purchased the "123 magic program" hoping for a new approach to discipline for my 8-year-old son. Unfortunately, I found the techniques to be too rigid and lacking in empathy. Counting down and giving timeouts felt more like a power struggle rather than a productive disciplinary method. It didn't address the underlying issues or provide guidance on how to effectively communicate with my child. I ended up abandoning the program after a few weeks as it didn't meet my expectations or needs as a parent.
4. Mark - 1 star - As a single father, I was looking for some guidance on managing my 10-year-old daughter's behavior. Unfortunately, the "123 magic program" didn't provide the support or tools I was seeking. I found the counting method to be ineffective and it only served to escalate conflicts rather than resolve them. The program didn't address the unique challenges faced by single parents and didn't offer any alternative discipline strategies. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend it to others in similar situations.