What do you think of " 1,2,3 Magic"?
By berlynn1975
@berlynn1975 (737)
United States
January 18, 2007 1:50pm CST
What's your opinion? I've heard of a dangerous situation with this type of discipline. I think for some children, it may be ok. But, I heard of a horrible, horrible situation where this approach failed miserably.
A child was playing near the street. Seeing an approaching truck, the Mother yelled to the little girl to get away from the road. The child, do young to know the dangers of vehicles, did not listen. She turned back to her Mom with a smile waiting for the "2" and maybe "3". She was hit by the truck and killed. This is devestating.
Having 2 young children, I can understand how they may not understand consequences like this. They may not understand when the parent is being serious due to a dangerous situation. They have no discernment for that.
Of course, some older children seem to know when they need to listen to their parent's first command. But, some little ones, or ones with developmental issues, may not "get it".
What do you think?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
20 Jan 07
I do not know what "JMO" means. And, obviously you didn't read my post. The Mom was NOT counting down when the child was by the road. I had written that the child expected the Mom to count because that's what she was accustomed to. I think that Magic 123 CAN be dangerous because if children are trained in that manner, they may think it's always the option. When in situations of danger, it most definitely is NOT.
@MakDomMom (1474)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I have read this book and implemented it to a point with my kids. They know that when I get to 2 they better be moving in the right direction. But in the same breathe, I do not count when it comes to a dangerous situation. In those situations you do what you have to do to get the childs attention. Scream their name and tell them to get out of the road, spank their butt when you get them back, etc... You don't rely on the counting in thos types of situations. At least I don't.
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I definitely know what you mean. In the instance that I was referring to, the child automatically thought there'd be a flollow up "2", and maybe a "3". My point is merely that some children are not yet capable of understanding when there is immediate danger, or there might be the option of getting to a "2". And, there's not always time for the parent to run to a child, if in danger. So, for me, I can only try to get them to listen the first time.
@crystal8577 (1466)
• United States
19 Jan 07
I think the whole counting while a child is in a dangerous situation is silly. The book tells you to automatically go to 3 & a time out. You really have to be able to use common sense. The book worked for my older daughter. It did not phase my middle daughter at all. Time outs do not work on her. The baby is only 4 weeks old, so it will be a while until we can see if it helps her or not. I don't think any one type of discipline is going to work on ALL kids. You have to figure out what works best for you.
