Strategy

1-2-3 Magic

What is it?

1-2-3 Magic is a group-based cognitive-behavioral parenting program for parents of children ages 2 through 12. The program aims to reduce dysfunctional parenting and child problem behaviors. 1-2-3 Magic helps parents manage negative behaviors, encourage positive behaviors, strengthen child-parent relationships, and understand appropriate expectations for children’s behaviors. The key element of the program is the “no talking, no emotion” rule where parents use counting as a discipline to encourage children to think about their behavior. The program is conducted in a group setting once to twice a week over four to eight weeks.  

What is the evidence base?

Parents who participate in the program experience a decrease in parental depression and parental stress. Children of parents who participate exhibit fewer behavioral problems. 

• Bradley et al_2003_Brief Psychoeducational Parenting Program: an Evaluation and 1-Year Follow Up
• Porzig-Drummond, Stevenson R.J., and Stevening, C._2014_ 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Program and its Effect on Child Problem Behaviors and Dysfunctional Parenting