The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Parent Training.

• Types of Maltreatment: Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Exposure to Domestic Violence
• Target Population: Parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, and other caretakers working with children.

1-2-3 Magic is a group format discipline program for parents of children approximately 2-12 years of age. The program can be used with average or special needs children. 1-2-3 Magic divides the parenting responsibilities into three straightforward tasks: controlling negative behavior, encouraging good behavior, and strengthening the child-parent relationship. The program seeks to encourage gentle, but firm, discipline without arguing, yelling, or spanking.

1-2-3 Magic is typically taught in a group format. The program defines two basic kinds of problems that children present to adults; Stop Behavior and Start Behavior. When adults are frustrated with their youngsters, the kids are either (1) doing something the adults want them to Stop, or (2) not doing something the adults would like them to Start. Some Start behavior tactics (behavioral management techniques) include using: positive verbal feedback, a kitchen timer method, a docking system, natural consequences, and charting.

1-2-3 Magic has three simple steps:

1. Control Obnoxious Behavior. Learn a simple technique to get your kids to Stop doing what you don't want them to do (whining, arguing, tantrums, sibling rivalry, etc.)
2. Encourage Good Behavior. Learn several effective methods to get your kids to Start doing what you do want them to do (cleaning rooms, going to bed, homework, etc.)
3. Strengthen Relationships, Learn powerful techniques that reinforce your bond with your children.

1-2-3 Magic utilizes a counting technique that is clearly understood by children so they know the consequences of their actions. The secret is not just in the counting, however. The real secret or "magic" comes from parents learning when to keep quiet.

The 'Little Adult Assumption' explores the notion that children are not little adults and do not have the same reasoning capacity as an adult

Parents also learn about managing the Six Kinds of Testing and Manipulation: badgering, intimidation, threats, martyrdom, butter-up, and physical.

Relationship building strategies are also provided in this program

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 was designed with a child component that addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms:

• Arguing, whining, sibling rivalry, disrespect, bedtime issues, homework compliance, etc.

Age range: 2 – 12

Developmental Delays:

This program was not developed for children with developmental delays, and has not been tested for children with developmental delays.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 was designed with a parent/caregiver component that addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms:

• Parents with children with behavior problems involving compliance and oppositional issues. By effectively addressing behavior problems, the program also attempts to improve the adult/child relationship.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 was designed to be conducted in a group setting, and has been tested for use in a group setting.

Recommended group size:

6 to 25

Testing References:

Bradley, S. J. et al. (2003). Brief psychoeducational parenting program: An evaluation and 1-year follow-up. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(10), 1171-1178.

Recommended Intensity:

One or two sessions per week.

Recommended Duration:

1.5 hours per session for 4-8 weeks.

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

• Adoptive Home
• Birth Family Home
• Community Agency
• Foster Home
• Hospital
• Outpatient Clinic
• Residential Care Facility
• School

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 includes a homework component:

Homework assignments involve managing "Stop" behaviors (whining, arguing, tantrums, sibling rivalry, etc.) and encouraging "Start" behaviors (cleaning rooms, going to bed, homework, etc.) and relationship building strategies.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 has materials available in a language other than English:

Spanish

For information on which materials are available in this language, please check on the program's website or contact the program representative (contact information is listed at the bottom of this page).

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

• Microphone
• Classroom set up
  

Mental health professionals or teachers.

There is a manual that describes how to implement this program, and there is training available for this program.

Training Contact:

• Nancy Roe
  phone: (630) 469-0484

Training is obtained:

Onsite.

Number of days/hours:

3 - 5 hours.

Additional Resources:

There currently are additional qualified resources for training:

• Sig Taylor - Calgary, Canada (403) 237-7501
• Barbara Condrell - Buffalo, NY (716) 687-2311

Since 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 is highly rated on the Scientific Rating Scale, information was requested from the program representative on available pre-implementation assessments, implementation tools, and/or fidelity measures.

This program is rated a "2 - Supported by Research Evidence" on the Scientific Rating Scale based on the published, peer-reviewed research available. The practice must have at least one rigorous randomized controlled trial with a sustained effect of at least 6 months. Please see the Scientific Rating Scale for more information.

Child Welfare Outcome: Child/Family Well-Being