1-2-3 Magic: Managing Difficult Behavior in Children 2-12

When I married my wife, I gained a terribly behaved and emotionally disfunctional stepson (later diagnosed as high-functioning autistic and ADD). At ages 5 and 6 his tantrums were atrocious; he would kick at the door to his room, throw items, hit his mom, be defiant and disobedient, and was constantly in trouble at school, to the point of getting written up by teachers every day for hitting or tormenting other children. Then we had a baby girl, and things actually got worse! I began using this at the recommendation of our pediatrician. It was very hard at first--a lot of resistance from my stepson, but it eventually began to take hold, and now he is almost perfectly behaved. He occasionally whines or begs now, but he always stops at one. We have also slowly added behaviors into the "automatic time out" category, such as yelling at the dinner table & getting written up at school. My daughter is now two, and I've done it a couple of times with her and she responds instantly, having observed her brother get "1-2-3'd" numerous times. This works. My recommendations: 1) Explian it to your kids before you begin; 2) Stick with it--consistency is key, and they will get it; 3) Know EXACTLY what the consequence will be when you get to 3 and do it. You really will be amazed.

This is a great video to watch. I bought this, tried the 123 with my two year old granddaughter. Yes this really is magic and it does work because I view I've been using it on my granddaughter for probably the last 2 months and the first time I did the one two three she listen right away and I gave her I've only had to give her a time at once now my daughter on the other hand hasn't used it so she's having a problem with my granddaughter right now but I would highly recommend it to any parents grandparents teacher schools and anyone having problems with a child's behavior and not listening. Do the steps and it is 123 magic!

I get the reasons behind the author’s points, but putting them into situations with your 3 yo who is more on the level of a 2 yo is so not practical. There’s hardly any advice for parents of kids up to 4 years old. I personally feel my daughter wouldn’t be able to grasp the concepts and would feel like I’m being mean and wouldn’t know why. She’s probably feel abandoned and scared.

I am the mother of a very strong-willed 3 year old. I originally bought the 1-2-3 Magic book, and faithfully read it cover to cover. My husband is not the reading type (if there's no pictures he doesn't want it) so when I saw there was a video I purchased it quickly. We watched it one night after the kids went to bed, and it was very much like the book except even more in depth. Both of us looked like idiots, nodding and saying "UH HUH, YES!!" throughout the whole thing because it seemed like Dr Phelan knows our child. We instituted the practices and I can tell you it works. It is so very simple, yet so profound. The babysitter has it now and my mom will get it next. It's also great for teachers. Two warnings: it's pretty darn expensive but it's worth it! And this only discusses the "stop" behaviors, you have to purchase the 2nd video for the "start" behaviors, which I haven't done yet.

Using for behavioral issues with a 6 year old and it is great

This has been a great tool to help us teach our toddler about behavior boundaries, especially following the birth of his little sister. The other methods out there like Whole Brain just did not help in situation where my toddler was repeatedly behaving aggressively or doing things to get attention (hitting the cat, throwing food). 123 Magic is a quick, straightforward way to remind him when he's doing something he should not be doing and gives him time to decide to stop. I've seen his ability to take a moment to decide to control himself improve dramatically, and we can often use that little pause to redirect him to a better choice.

The video starts out super cheezy with it's 1990's infomercial style. However, the methodology works for my youngest and that's all that matters.

I am a psychologist who has studied the management of difficult behavior in children. This DVD is paced very well, being neither too difficult nor too easy for the average person. The topic could be painful and distressing, and any parent looking for this kind of help is most likely to be in some distress. Yet the program maintains a light hearted and humorous tone in order to make such a topic tolerable. Frankly, the program is entertaining! The program is presented very clearly and should help parents to engage their children successfully. If parents would take the time to engage their children in the ways described by this program, I believe there would be far, far less need for them to turn to drugs to control the behavior of their children! I hope that parents will first try the techniques described in this program.

Our some has ADHD and is a handful. I was a bit unsure when I watched this as to whether 1-2-3 Magic actually worked but it seemed like no time at all before our son was calmer and more obedient. An absolute miracle. All parents should watch this and try 1-2-3 Magic, you will be amazed.

Dr Phelan knows his stuff. It is a great parenting resource along with More 123 Magic which works hand in hand. It is a simple techinique that kids will get used to right away as long as you are consistant. If you find that it is not working, review your method and don't blame Dr Phelan. It does actually work! He does a good job of breaking down the steps into a logic model that is easy to remember. The set is worth every penny! It is the only set I really need. I recommend the video over the book.

Absolutely fabulous!! Loved it! It has given me the right attituted to deal with my kids behavioural problems! I found it helpfull. We should all use these techniques!

Fantastic parenting method - has made a big difference in this house. Like anything it depends on the children and parents concerned but this seems to be more empathetic to what real life with children is like.

I wonder how something so simple could be misused by so many parents - including myself - until now. I first had the book but no time to read it. This DVD is clear concise and easy to become engrossed in. You can practice right away and you start thinking about it all the time. Easy methods and implementation is simple. Make your partner or anyone who cares for your kids watch it also so you are all 'training' on the same page. Can't live without it.