123 MAGIC

1-2-3 Magic is a successful behavioural management programme for parents and other carers of young children, including teachers.

The programme was devised by clinical psychologist Thomas Phelan PhD parent of a now adult with ADHD.

1-2-3 Magic is easy to learn and it works effectively with children’s behaviour. Parents can learn the programme one day and start the next. The basic logic and simplicity of the method means that it is easy to remember for both parents and kids – especially under conditions of high emotional stress!

1-2-3 Magic is a parent-in-charge programme that eliminate arguing, yelling or smacking. Emotional turmoil and excessive talk do not make for good discipline. In  fact, you might say 1-2-3 Magic is the only discipline programme we know based on the fact that parents talk too much!

According to 1-2-3 Magic, the job of parenting consists of three tasks:

1. Controlling obnoxious behaviour (arguing, whining, fighting, tantrums);
2. Encouraging good behaviour (going to bed, homework, eating);
3. Strengthening your relationship with your child (praise, active listening, shared fun).

The instructions for each parenting task are extremely clear and straightforward.

1-2-3 Magic evidenced based. Over ten studies have evaluated the efficacy of the 1-2-3 Magic and they concluded that there is substantial evidence to support the effectiveness of parent training.

It’s gentle, action oriented and easy-to-learn. 1-2-3 Magic is also a dad-friendly programme. Mums like it because it reduces marital stress and helps them feel better about themselves as parents. What do kids say about 1-2-3 Magic? Many children say, “I like it because Mum and Dad don’t yell too much.”