1-2-3 Magic
If this excellent form of discipline appeals to you, get the whole story by buying the publication. Phelan's book, 1-2-3 Magic, Training Your Child to Do What You Want. In addition to very thorough coverage of his counting method for time-out, Phelan also includes a section for teachers, a section for more serious stop-behaviors, such as lying, stealing, or playing with fire, and a section for start-behavior tactics.

This book is a must-read for parents of children aged two up to early teens.

We started with the cassette, then bought the video. I would start with the video now as it allowed my husband and me to discuss our own family as we watched together. The video is also good for us visual folks. It's worth it!!

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Boundaries with Kids: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, to Help Your Children Gain Control of Their Lives by Henry Cloud, PhD, and John Townsend, PhD

Often it is easier to control the moment that is is to plan for the future. But... boundries help your child control his/her life now and in the future. They build character, respect and responsibility.  Boundaries teach accountability and proactivity to children while also enabling them to deal with envy, honesty, and power or the lack of power. This is another timeless book for parenting toddlers through teens and is the "instruction" book that should come with every child. Henry Cloud is the authority on boundries in relationships for both children and adults. Both authors are licensed psychologists with doctorates in clinical psychology, both maintain private practices in Christian counseling, and both are parents.  The audio and the workbook together make a winning combination for you and your kids.

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Surviving Your Adolescents
If your child is nearing the teen years, you might want to invest in another good book by Thomas Phelan,  Surviving Your Adolescents.  Phelan has also written about self-esteem in  children and dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD). His combined knowledge allows him great insight into teens. In the book on adolescence, Dr. Phelan gives a step-by-step approach that helps end hassles while allowing parents and children to keep their self-respect. This book abounds with concrete solutions to life with a teen-ager.

It is also available in cassette for those of us who need to save time.

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