Topic: Behavioral Problems, Parenting
Target Population: Parents
Sector: Community-Based
Military Sector: Air Force
This program is delivered to parents of children who are 2 to 12 years old and intended to impact parents and their children.
1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 (1-2-3 Magic), a community-based program, is designed to provide easy-to-learn parenting techniques and positive discipline strategies, which are intended to strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Randomized controlled trials of the 1-2-3 Magic program have demonstrated improvements in child and parenting behaviors. Internal studies with small sample sizes showed decreases in intensity and fewer problem behaviors in children and less over-reactivity and hostility in parents 10 months after program completion. External studies indicate decreased child problem behaviors, dysfunctional parenting, parent depression, and parental stress up to 2 years after program completion. Sustained effects need to be replicated in a larger, more representative sample.
The 1-2-3 Magic program follows a sequential three-step process:
A variety of presentation materials and activities are employed to teach and reinforce the techniques, including PowerPoint presentations; program DVDs; handouts; small-group activities; and active skills training, such as group discussions, role playing, real world examples to reinforce the correct application of techniques, and advice on ways to handle difficult situations with children. All program materials (i.e., books, workbook, DVDs, and CD audio programs available in English and Spanish) are available for purchase on the program website.
Approximately 2 million copies of 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting have been sold around the world. This program is implemented at Joint Base San Antonio.
Training is self-directed. The 1-2-3 Magic Presentation Package includes everything needed to prepare and deliver sessions and costs $295. Please visit https://www.123magic.com/training-materials for cost information on additional training materials.
Considerations for implementing this program include understanding training and program materials will need to be purchased, locating meeting space, and acquiring parent buy-in.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing 1-2-3 Magic, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Delivery of the 1-2-3 Magic program is flexible, but it generally consists of one to four sessions, which are about 3 hours each.
A variety of program materials are available on the 1-2-3 Magic website. Please visit https://www.123magic.com/positive-parenting-solutions/1-2-3-magic or https://www.123magic.com/training-materials for more information.
To move the 1-2-3 Magic program to the Effective category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one additional evaluation in a representative sample should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from program completion.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact SOURCEBOOKS, INC. by mail Attn: 1-2-3 Magic, 1935 Brookdale Rd., Suite 139, Naperville, IL 60563, phone 1-844-432-7441, or visit https://www.123magic.com/
Bailey, E. L., van der Zwan, R., Phelan, T. W., & Brooks, A. (2012). The 1-2-3 Magic Program: Implementation outcomes of an Australian pilot evaluation with school-aged children. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 34(1), 53-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317107.2012.654455
Bailey, E. L., van der Zwan, R., Phelan, T. W., & Brooks, A. (2015). Keeping it going: Evidence of long-term improvements after implementation of the 1-2-3 magic parenting program. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 37(4), 303-320. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317107.2015.1104776
Chesterfield, J. A., Porzig-Drummond, R., Stevenson, R. J., & Stevenson, C. S. (2020). Evaluating a brief behavioral parenting program for parents of school-aged children with ADHD. Parenting: Science and Practice, https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2020.1777783
Porzig-Drummond, R., Stevenson, R. J., & Stevenson, C. (2014). The 1-2-3 magic parenting program and its effect on child problem behaviors and dysfunctional parenting: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 52-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.05.004
Porzig-Drummond, R., Stevenson, R. J., & Stevenson, C. (2015). Preliminary evaluation of a self-directed video-based 1-2-3 magic parenting program: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 66, 32-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.01.003
Bradley, S. J., Jadaa, D., Brody, J., Landy, S., Tallett, S. E., Watson, W., . . . Stephens, D. (2003). Brief psychoeducational parenting program: An evaluation and 1-year follow-up. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(10), 1171-1178. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200310000-00007
Porzig-Drummond, R., Stevenson, R. J., & Stevenson, C. (2016). A preliminary evaluation of the 1-2-3-magic parenting program in an Australian community services setting. Australian Social Work, 69(4), 388-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2015.1086010
