Book cover of 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting

Book description

"Everywhere you go, you keep overhearing other moms say to their misbehaving children, 'That's one. That's two. That's three.' And then you watch in disbelief as their kid actually stops!" - PopSugar Moms
Are you the parent of a strong-willed child? Is bedtime a nightly battle? Are you looking to…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked 1-2-3 Magic as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Dr. Phelan strikes a home run with his 1-2-3 Magic program for disciplining children, by teaching parents how to use calm communication as opposed to that infused with frustration. The strength of his approach centers on getting toddlers to listen by using mild language and consistency, while refraining from exhibiting the strong emotions that often accompany attempts to reign in negative behavior. Phelan’s approach encourages parents to refrain from reactive communication, by replacing it with a much more effective method of redirecting little ones away from negative behavior. If you want to increase your toddler’s compliance, give 1-2-3 Magic a…

From Gail's list on for parent-child communication.

If you love 1-2-3 Magic...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like 1-2-3 Magic?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like 1-2-3 Magic.

Browse books like 1-2-3 Magic

Book cover of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Book cover of What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems with Anger
Book cover of Do You Have a Secret?

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,298

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like 1-2-3 Magic, you might also like...

Karl's War by Neil Spark,

Book cover of Karl's War

Karl's War is a coming-of-age-meets-thriller set in Germany on the eve of Hitler coming to power. Karl – a reluctant poster boy for the Nazis – meets Jewish Ben and his world is up-turned.

Ben and his family flee to France. Karl joins the German army but deserts and finds…

Girl in the Ashes by Douglas Weissman,

Book cover of Girl in the Ashes

Odette Lefebvre is a serial killer stalking the shadows of Nazi-occupied Paris and must confront both the evils of those she murders and the darkness of her own past.

This young woman's childhood trauma shapes her complex journey through World War II France, where she walks a razor's edge…

5 book lists we think you will like!