Who Is In Charge In Your House? Review of “1-2-3 Magic”

Parenting – Do you ever feel like pulling your hair out and screaming because your kids don’t listen? Oh wait, we don’t feel like doing it we already are doing that EVERYDAY! We need a break from all of the chaos and yelling and so do the kids. My husband and I were given a book called “1 2 3 Magic” by some wonderful preschool teachers (Thank you Teacher Beth & Teacher Franka) who are dear to our hearts. I have to say it changed our life! It truly is like magic.

When my son Cohen was in preschool he skipped the terrible two’s and surprised us with the terrible threes. We were at our wits end because Cohen was testing us in every way possible. We gave him so much attention trying to get him to brush his teeth, get dressed and get to school that we could not make it to school on time. Then we found ourselves stressed and yelling. Once I read the book “1-2-3 Magic” I tried it on my son. I will never forget that day. I said “Cohen we need to stop pouting and crying so that we can make it on time to school today.” He said he didn’t want to go to school and pouted on the floor. So, as it says in the book to get them to stop a behavior (pouting) I said the magic words…and it worked like a charm. We have been using this technique now for 3 years and now also use it on our two year old daughter Grace as well.

I was contacted by Tracy M. Lewis who is the co-author of the books and workbooks. She provided me with, and made me aware that there was a Kid’s book ( 1-2-3 Magic For Kids) that helps kids understand the discipline more effectively, and how it makes for a happier family. Also, there is a workbook (1-2-3 Magic Workbook) to help us parents understand, and gain some new strategies that are effective for the whole family. I was able to review two wonderful DVD’s(Managing Difficult Behavior in Children 2-12 & Encouraging Good Behavior Independence and Self-Esteem) So weather you are a reader, like to watch DVD’s and /or a workbook it’s all here for you. They did not miss a step.

I have to say my six year old son loved the kid’s book. He wanted to read it every night. I think we finished it in three days. There are also activities in the back for the kids that relate to the 1- 2- 3 Magic. The workbook is great too because it really makes you think about your household and what is really going on. It also makes you feel like you’re not alone. There are exercises and case studies that help you understand so much. One of my favorite quotes in the workbook is “You too can take control of your home, start enjoying your children, and be the kind of parent you want to be. All in the very near future!” They really do cover everything. The authors, Thomas W Phelam, PH.D. and Tracy M Lewis, B.A. talk about how sometimes parents (this was true for my hubby and me) talk too much trying to explain to our kids the situation. All they hear is blah, blah, blah. They also talk about how we get too emotional and that can relate to an outburst or actions that us as parents regret later. Something I found VERY helpful is the natural consequences the kids get from their own actions. For example: You ask them to clean their room and they chose not to do it. They now suffer the NATURAL consequence. For instance, you can clean it for them but, then they get to pay you out of their allowance. It is worth it to teach a lesson that will last a life time. Thomas W. Phelan, PH.D. is also very funny and very entertaining in the DVD’s.

Cohen 6 & Grace 2 – After 1-2-3 Magic entered our home!

          I really hope all of you parents who are feeling overwhelmed with the discipline of your children find this helpful. My husband and I have always joked that we will get this parenting thing right when the kids are 20 and it’s too late. Thanks to 1-2-3 Magic, we’re getting it right now! It helped our family so much that I want to scream it from the roof top. That’s why I felt it was so important to share the 1-2-3 Magic information with you. I want to personally thank Thomas and Tracy for their dedication to our children and sharing their expertise.

Enter the 1-2-3 Magic Giveaway Today! Click Here Now thru 10/13/2013

Are you going through any behavior issues with your little ones?

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Erin Howard

MOM, Editor, Luxury Travel Advisor, Blogger, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Neice, Granddaughter, Global Travel Agency Co-Owner at Once A Mom Always A Mom

Wife, mom of two, homeschool veteran, and co-owner of a global travel agency based in Northern Nevada. I write about real family life, honest travel experiences, and the beautiful chaos of building something meaningful alongside the people you love most.

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