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1-2-3 Magic for Kids: Helping Your Kids Understand the New Rules

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Based on the bestselling parenting book 1-2-3 Magic , and adapted especially for kids! "1-2-3 Magic made parenting fun again." "I highly recommend this book to any parent who is spending more time yelling at or nagging their children than smiling at and laughing with them." "All I have to say is that the ideas in this book really WORK! It really is like magic!" "It's such a relief to not feel like I'm constantly yelling at someone! If you want to see a fast improvement in your child's behavior, check out 1-2-3 Magic." The popular 1-2-3 Magic parenting program has been adapted to be introduced from a child's point of view! This innovative guide explains the child discipline system―from counting and time-out methods to how better behavior benefits the entire family and leaves more time for play―with clear, easy-to-understand language and lots of illustrations. 1-2-3 Magic for Kids describes the basics of the 1-2-3 Magic program, • Positive reinforcement
• Charting
• The docking system A question-and-answer section outlines common family situations and questions from kids, • What if I don't go to my room?
• Will I still be counted if I have a friend over?
• What kinds of things can we do for one-on-one fun? Crossword puzzles, word searches, and journal suggestions further encourage children to apply what they've learned about the methods, and make 1-2-3 Magic for Kids a fun way to get kids on board with the new rules at home.

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

12 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Thomas W. Phelan

50 books31 followers

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5 stars
53 (28%)
4 stars
57 (30%)
3 stars
50 (26%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
1 star
13 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Anastasia.
1,312 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2010
This is a terrible book because this is a terrible parenting strategy-- at least for those of us who don't think our children are manipulative little devils (Attachment and unconditional parenting types). The best thing I can say about it is that it's a step up from spanking your kids. Techniques include bribes, charting, time-outs, not talking to or listening to your kids unless they behave the way you want them to.
Profile Image for Laura Bernardi.
25 reviews
February 27, 2025
A concerning an outdated parenting book focused on using “1,2,3” counts to silence and shut off communication with your children. Children are not meant to be “controlled” as detailed in the book and 1,2,3 Magic’s use of silent disconnection is alarming and dangerous for attachment, without note of emotional validation. Children should not be locked into rooms and have adults bodies as room barriers. There is a critical importance for parents to look inward at their own behavior and feelings as well as set up routines for success within the family unit.
Profile Image for Cary Zimmerman.
11 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2018
Basic explanation of the method, which is intuitive to a lot of parents. It will be interesting to read this with my son, when he's a little older and able to comprehend.
Profile Image for Yu Kuo.
27 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2021
Wrong picked the kids version of this book from the library but it was a good read.

The concept worked well to teach the kids to behave properly and responsibly without yelling and quarreling. This book is similar to "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". Not everyone is comfortable with the disciplinary approach, though I personally found it very effective and reduced yelling at home. As a result, the whole family is happier.
64 reviews
January 9, 2025
I read this to get familiar with the program quicker. I am also reading the adult book or regular program. It was useful to understand how the book explains the program to children. My wife is excited to implement this into our household. Apparently, no magic wand needed.
325 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2025
I didn't immediately realize it was the children's version when I picked it up from the library, but it was a good read.

I'm still working on it with my child, but it seems promising and often effective in reducing yelling at home.
Profile Image for Lauri Meyers.
1,237 reviews30 followers
February 21, 2019
A bit heavy handed for kids to read. A good concept of you can get it to work.
Profile Image for Oyundalai Oogii.
2 reviews
September 16, 2019
My daughter, hubby and me absolutely love it. Now we are doing 1-2-3 magic rule. Our next book should be 1-2-3 magic for parents.
Profile Image for Samuel Lamont.
24 reviews
July 5, 2021
Pretty much a secular Chick Tract. If nothing else, it's definitely as heavy-handed as a Chick Tract.
Profile Image for Blair.
80 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2022
This book is a good guide for parents when it comes to discipline.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews