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1-2-3 Magic Information

1-2-3 Magic Outline

  1. Say That’s 1 (show the number one sign with your fingers) & PAUSE 5-10 seconds
  2. Say That’s 2 (show the number two sign with your fingers) and PAUSE 5 10 secondsThis is a warning for consequence if behavior does not change
  3. Say That’s 3 (tell child to take a break, break starts when child is calm)Be consistent and follow through with the timeout/consequenceFor serious misbehavior use the Major/Minor
  4. consequence you have pre-arranged with your child/student
  5. When the child comes out of time out, DO NOT continue to talk about the time our or what lead to the time out. 
  6. Key concepts to 1-2-3 Magic success
  1. Be gentle
    Be consistent
    Be decisive and calm
     

Major rule to 1-2-3 Success

No talking and no emotionWhen child comes back from timeout there is to be NO lectures, NO apologizing, and NO discussions.  You (the parent/guardian/caregiver) MUST REMAIN QUIET!
 

1-2-3 Magic: 3 Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting

By Thomas W. Phelan, PhD

Focusing on behavior that is expected and focusing on the positive