Quik TipWhat is going to happen in a relatively short time is this: you’ll start getting good
control—believe it or not—at 1 or 2. And that is going to make you feel really
good!Let’s imagine the consequence you choose is a rest period or time-
out. After you say “That’s 3. Take five,” the child goes to time-out.
(Some of you are wondering, “How do I get him there?” That question
will be answered in the next chapter.)
After the time-out is served, you will not believe what happens
next. Nothing! No talking, no emotion, no apologies, no lectures, no
discussions. Nothing is said unless the behavior is new, unusual, or
dangerous.
You do not say, for example, “Now, are you going to be a good
boy? Do you realize what you’ve been doing to your mother all
afternoon? Why do we have to go through this all the time? I’m so
sick and tired of this that I could scream! Your sister doesn’t behave
this way, and your father’s coming home in half an hour. Did God put
you on earth to drive me crazy or what?”
Tempting as this lecture might be, you simply keep quiet. If the
child behaves, praise him and enjoy his company. If the child does
something else that’s countable, count it.
In a relatively short time, you’ll start getting good control—
believe it or not—when you count to 1 or 2. And we will promise you
this: The first time you stop a fight between two of your kids from