Remember last week when I was late? Turns out I’m late again. This time it’s because I thought I was supposed to post this on Thursday. Everyone else did it on Wednesday. I have no idea what the hell I’m doing, apparently.

I know. That’s not news.

Moving on.

Part 1 was good, but part two, entitled Controlling Obnoxious Behaviour, was better.

Honestly, if I hadn’t used this in my classroom and seen it work effectively so many times, I’d wonder if it weren’t too easy. The main thing I’d question is “Don’t kids need logical explanations?” No, according to Dr. Phelan.

The first chapter in this section addresses the counting. Yes, it’s as simple as it sounds. That’s 1. That’s 2. That’s 3 and then a time out or time out alternative. The book goes into detail about all of the what-if’s and is very comprehensive. In fact, chapter 6 contains answers to the 20 most likely questions, including how long between counts if the behaviour doesn’t stop, when to start a new counting series and answers to the questions kids might ask or snarky remarks they might make.

The chapter on public discipline was great. It’s not a problem for me because I am do used to disciplining other people’s children in front of them to set an example for the parents in my classroom. I have to bite my tongue not to discipline kids I don’t know at the mall and when they’re with their parents at the store - it’s automatic for me now. If it slips out, I just say “Sorry, I’m a teacher. I can’t help it!” and the parents have, thankfully, always just laughed. (Though it may be different with my own kids, but I doubt it.) My favourite sentence of the chapter? “The long term welfare of your kids comes before short term worries about what others are going to think.” There are some great examples and suggestions for time out alternatives in stores and cars etc.

Chapter 8 deals with sibling rivalry and tantrums. Apparently we’re never supposed to ask “What Happened?” or “Who Started It?” I get his logic, but that might be a hard habit to break. He suggests counting both children instead. And tantrums? The time out doesn’t start until the tantrum stops.

The final chapter in this section is about the “Kickoff Conversation” to get the program started. I think it’s probably only necessary if you’re starting it with older kids or in a classroom. At home with toddlers *& preschoolers? I’d just start counting. They’ll figure it out.

Want to read along? Maybe you can post on the right day? I can’t but I’ll probably still be back with part three!
Email themomtrap at yahoo dot com to participate.

Tags: 123+magic, book review