When does 1-2-3 become "Magic"

AmandaP678

I've been trying to do 1-2-3 Magic for a few weeks but he sill doesn't seem phased?

Granted his behavior has been better/is better now that we can go outside more, but he still hits/ throws things when he gets mad or when he's tired. But I guess the tired portion is a different issue.

Mrs.Saxy

things are only effective with consistency. 1-2-3 is effective for us because after 3 comes a consequence.

That said, I didn't start it until my son was 4. 

regenab

It started working pretty much by the second day, but like PP, I didn't start until after my girls had turned 3. Maybe that is why they took to is so well. It really has been magic for us. Stick with it and I am sure he will start to make the connection, also I would say it is still normal for him to throw/hit during tantrums at 2. Some kids are harder 2 year olds than others. But be very consistant and he will learn this kind of behavior is unacceptable and stop. My girls were hard 2 year olds, but have been much easier 3 year olds. We still have our bad days every now and then, but so much better than when they were 2.

Nikosmom

I read the book. It seems to be geared to children that are a little older 4+. I may try once DS is a bit older. GL

snicksnack

I am reading that book and happiest toddler on the block currently and while they claim to be effective with toddlers as young as one my DD does not understand time outs.  One thing that both seem to instill is the importance of understanding triggers/trying to avoid them when you can, in your case sounds like if he is overtired you have issues,  and removing yourself from the situation.  Basically you don?t want to end up arguing with a toddler.  If I remember from  1 2 3 at an early age if they don?t understand time out the simple act of separating yourself from the toddler will work and help the toddler to calm down since the toddler can?t think clearly when upset.   I just started this with my DD and I make sure to sound stern when I start to count.  Usually by two she has stopped crying /tempering and is starting to calm down if that happens I stop counting and walk away from her if I get to think I sit her in an area where she can calm down.  I don't put her in her room since she does not understand I don't want her to associate her bed with something bad.  Right now my goal is to get her to calm down and learn that a temper tantrom is not going to result in getting her way.  Once she gets older she will understand punisment better.