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Feb 25, 2015Gaffney5562 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Felt this needed a little perspective, as a reaction to the other review by "poatlee". I am editing this comment a couple years after originally posting it, but I can't find a way to change the number of stars. Four is too generous. Now I'm thinking two stars might be more appropriate. This book is for individuals (parents) who feel they have lost the battle with their kids, or have lost many battles and maybe losing the war. This will offer you some support and a sense of control as quick as 123 ;-) I would NOT advocate this method for everyone, or even suggest it as a starting point for parenting, it is NOT a guide for how to be a "nasty parent". All parents love their kids and want the best for them. Kids NEED structure and discipline and 123 magic is a quick and simple behavioral method to implement those. No one likes correction when it is happening, but your kids will resent you more if you give them no boundaries and do not teach them how to respect others. Kids are not just short adults. Depending on their age/development, their ability to reason is minimal, especially when they are escalated. The other books that poatlee recommends (especially the 2nd and 3rd) have their strengths as well, and have some contradictory principles to 123 Magic. It goes to show you that parenting "experts" do not agree on methods or philosophies. Again, the main advantage to 123 Magic is that it is simple and if you do what it says, it will work (at least in the short term). Best of all it comes in a DVD. My recommendations: If you are really interested in positive parenting, try "Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelson. It's getting kinda old/dated, but with some good, solid principles. Best parenting stuff out there right now is by Dan Seigel, a pediatrician and psychiatrist who has studied attachment theory and makes current research from neuroscience understandable and very practical. The Whole Brained Child, Parenting from the Inside Out, and No Drama Discipline. If your kids are older, Brainstorm. If you are struggling (and we all do at times), feel free to get some help from a professional, your kids worth it. Whatever method you use, give your kids boundaries, let them know you love them and BE CONSISTENT! :-)