Since our “week from hell,” things have been very different
around our house. Our son now knows that when we say
something, we mean business. No yelling, no empty threats.
Sure, he still pushes the limits at times, but he doesn’t get
anywhere.
We’ve also advanced our use of 1-2-3 Magic to the strategies
for encouraging good behavior (like getting Zach to bed) and to
doing things that reinforce the bond between us (like shared
fun). Since we have learned how to control Zach’s oppositional
moments, it is so much easier to like him!
The last thing we would have wanted to hear when beginning
1-2-3 Magic was that we would have to go through a hell week
before seeing results. But we also would never have believed
stories about a child shaping up in just a few hours, even though
we’ve heard it has happened many times!
We hope our harrowing tale has given you some
encouragement!