Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read many books on how to manage children with difficult behavior but this is the only method I found extremely useful. I am a teacher and I teach in a bilingual elementary school. The first time I used it it worked! I couldn't believe it. I think that all the teachers and parents should watch this DVD. I've watched it 6 times and every time I find something I've missed. I have tried it on very wild kids, it works so effectively. I don't get frustrated or angry anymore. This is the best 36 dollars I have ever spent. Thank you Dr. Phelan

As a professional who works with families of children with challenging behaviors, this is a resource I recommend over and over. Parenting, especially in this time of conflicting advice from all around, is tough work. Dr. Phelan boils behavior management down to a few key principles within a system that makes it as simple as possible for parents to stay consistent -- the key to any discipline.

I've used this as a classroom teacher, a consultant, a parent educator, and as a parent myself, and while I have tweaked it a little over the years, I recommend any parent give it a try. Also, the video format makes it easier for parents to stay on the same page since they can (and should) watch it together and make a consistent game plan.

Never thought a person could make it so simple! This man tells it like it is and gives you simple ways on how to manage your difficult child.

I am a therapist who work with families and children. I bought this a tool to help families learn effective discipline methods. The simple method is easy to understand and implement. Most families find some value from this even if they are not able to use the technique flawlessly. Who can?

This video is an excellent accompaniment/alternative to the book which is authored by Dr Phelan.
What you get on the video is a down to Earth explanation of the 1-2-3 Magic system, and a deeper understanding of the warmth and humour of Dr Phelan, who comes across as an excellent presenter.
Its a very easy ~90min video to watch ideally with your partner.
Having already read the book, it made the video easier to absorb, and my partner and I have redoubled our efforts to employ the system. As with every other parent, we find it works well, and are lucky enough to have instant compliance from our kids. Particularly the older one, who likes to show off to the younger one that she understands the rules.
I would recommend this video heartily, but would also recommend that the more 1-2-3 magic video is additionally obtained. 1-2-3 Magic is all about "stop" behaviours (stop hitting, whining, teasing, badgering, talking back etc.) More 1-2-3 magic is all about "start" behaviours (tidy your room, get ready to go to school, eat your dinner). All parents (referred to as "wild animal trainers" through the video) will recognise their own desire to get kids moving, as well as getting kids to stop, so the videos are a complimentary set. Both my partner and I have tried the "stop" tools in 1-2-3 magic as "start"ers, and this has proven to be confusing for everyone, and singularly unsuccessful !!
Both videos are easily worth $200, for the sanity that they can restore to any chaotic family home, if the tools are understood and used properly.

I liked the DVD it was easy to watch, a bit cheezy at times but the role playing usually is. Good information overall. But why I only gave it 4 stars is because it only covers the first half of the book. You would have to spend $70 to get all the info the book covers and that is just too expensive! They also should make it more clear that this is just the "Stop" behavior part and doesn not contain the "Start" behavior portion of the book.

You must follow the system through to a t for it to work right. Best thing my wife ever forced our family to do!

This DVD is producing miraculous results in the families of those who are implementing the method of 1-2-3 Magic. The DVD is very clear, succinct, interesting, and invaluable for parents and children. Nowadays, parents seem to be afraid of their children, and children seem to reign over the lives of their parents. This method can transform the quality of family life as well as the nature and character of the children who follow it. The sooner parents can implement this gentle but firm and unwavering strategy, the better... before the children turn into teenagers.

I have a sweet but very emotional, strong willed 3 year old. This was the first book that truly worked with my daughter (and continues to work!)

Finally I have an approach that works for our family!

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.