Parenting Not For The Faint of Heart, Says Popular Book
(NAPSA)—Living with young provides three straightforward
children can be one of life’s most steps to effective parenting.
enjoyable experiences, yet it can Each of the three steps is
also be very frustrating. extremely important. The three
“Parenting is not for the faint parenting steps are also interde-
of heart,” says Dr. Thomas, pendent—each one depends to
author of 1-2-3 Magic: Effective some extent on the others for its
Discipline for Children 2-12. success.
“Adults with romantic notions of “Ignore any of these steps at
parenting often forget that it is your own risk!” says Dr. Phelan.
impossible to give kids everything Parenting Step 1 involves con-
they want.” trolling obnnoxious behavior.
Nor should kids have every- Fact: You will not like your chil-
thing they want. dren if they are constantly irritat-
Fortunately, Dr. Phelan’s book ing you by whining, arguing, teas-
and video program is making par- ing, tantrums, yelling or fighting.
enting easier for millions of moms The program teaches grownups
and dads around the world. Since how to “count” obnoxious behav-
1984, Dr. Phelan has presented ior, and you will be pleasantly sur-
his program to hundreds of thou- prised at how effective that simple
sands of parents, teachers, technique is!
teacher aides, school administra- Step 2 involves encouraging
tors, grandparents, camp coun- A new edition of a time-tested good behavior, such as picking up
selors, mental health profession- parenting book offers even more after yourself, going to bed, being
als and pediatricians. His book pointers on effective discipline. courteous and doing homework.
has been read by millions and This takes more effort—for both
translated into six languages. basic types: Badgering, Temper, parent and child—than control-
“There really is no magic Threat, Martyrdom, Butter Up ling obnoxious behavior. The 1-2-3
involved,” says Phelan. “But we and Physical Tactics. Uncon- program provides several simple
have had many delighted parents trolled, testing and manipulation but very direct methods for
and teachers swear that the 1-2-3 can destroy affection and ruin encouraging positive actions in
program works like magic.” relationships. your kids.
Good Discipline, Good Times Children don’t come with a Finally, parenting Step 3 is
According to Phelan, the only How-To-Raise-Me Training Man- strengthening your relationship
people who think parenting and ual. That’s why Phelan created his with your child. The strategies
teaching are easy are those who program. Adults can learn how to here include praise, sympathetic
have never done either one. These discipline their kids in a manner listening and—most important of
tasks are arguably the most that is fair, perfectly clear and all—shared one-on-one fun. Says
important jobs in the world, but not abusive. “When children’s Phelan, “Show me any two people
they are also among the easiest to inevitable troublesome behavior is who have fun on a regular basis
get wrong. handled in routine and effective and I’ll show you a good relation-
Unfortunately, when parents ways,” says Dr. Phelan, “the ship.” Some parents merely need
are frustrated, kids do not usu- warmer side of parenting is to be reminded of relationship-
ally thank their parents for try- allowed to kick in.” Good disci- strengthening strategies; other
ing to r ai se th e m pro p e rl y. pline, he says, can make for good parents have to work hard at
Instead, youngsters often push times and better relationships. them.
t h e limi ts . P h e l an cal l s t h i s 1-2-3: Three Steps to Effective For more information on the
“testing and manipulation,” and Parenting 1-2-3 Magic book or video, visit a
in 1-2-3 Magic he describes six The book’s new third edition bookstore, or call (800) 442-4453.