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1-2-3 Magic, More Magic, Tantrums, Surviving your Adolescents

English and Spanish Available

1-2-3 Magic is the world’s simplest parenting program. So much parenting advice is complicated and confusing—not 1-2-3 Magic! Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, a clinical psychologist with decades of experience, breaks the complex job of parenting down into 3 simple steps:

  1. Getting your kids to stop doing the things you don’t want them to do (tantrums, whining, etc.)
  2. Motivating your kids to start doing the things you want them to do (cleaning up, homework, etc.)
  3. Bonding with your kids (the best part!)

With these 3 steps, which you can start using in your house right away, 1-2-3 Magic has helped millions of families grow stronger and more connected, with happier parents and, most importantly, happier kids!

Program Details

Classes Day Options
Mondays 1-3pm
Tuesdays 10-12pm
Wednesday 11-1:30pm
Thursday 1-3pm

Location: In-Home Visits, Erie Family Center, Virtual, Community Location

Weekly Sessions for 12 weeks
2.5 hour with light meal included
Childcare & Transportation Provided (must be reserved at program enrollment)
Also offered in Spanish

Program Goals

Getting your kids to stop doing the things you don’t want them to do (tantrums, whining, etc.)
Motivating your kids to start doing the things you want them to do (cleaning up, homework, etc.)
Bonding with your kids (the best part!)

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Learn more about this award-winning program.

Why Does 1-2-3 Magic Work So Well?

The most effective part of 1-2-3 Magic is that it encourages parents to talk less. When your child is throwing a tantrum, your attempts to talk to and reason with them just add to the overwhelming noise in their head! 1-2-3 Magic focuses on calm, non-verbal communication and signaling to help your child regulate their emotions and respond more appropriately to the situation.

By emphasizing the need for parents to stay calm in the face of chaos, help their children develop emotional intelligence, and focus on every parent’s ultimate goal of creating a close, connected family where everyone feels heard and respected, 1-2-3 Magic is the original gentle parenting program.

Translation Services Available

If you need help with translating any programs or content within Erie Family Center, please complete the form and a staff member will be in touch. Translations available include, but are not limited to: Spanish, Bosnian, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Nepali, Swahili, Somali, Burmese, Pashto & Dari. 

1-2-3 Magic Program is funded through Erie County Office of Children and Youth, and free to all residents of Erie County.

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