Age group(s) for which this technique is helpful:
Elementary School
Middle School

Primarily used to improve behavior:
At Home

Instructions for using this technique:
1-2-3 Magic stays intact, however, but is modified as follows:
It is necessary to explain the program explicitly to the child(ren). When doing so, inform them that IF Mom or Dad (or other adult in charge) counts to three, the child must take a timeout, which is explicitly defined as going directly to their bed, for the designated amount of time. During that time they must be quiet and stay in bed- no TV, radio, games, nothing. Children pretty much view this as a punishment. Don't try to convince them otherwise. Explain that if they make any sound, get out of bed before their time is up, etc., the time starts over until the timeout is completed successfully. Also explain that if they must start over or if they complain, tantrum, argue or in short do anything but go directly to timeout, they will lose a privelege e.g. video games, Barbie dolls, bike riding, play with th eir friends. (This consequence then becomes reserved for violations of the 1-2-3 Magic rule exclusively.) Next, ask the child: "If you do something wrong and I have to punish you, do you want to be punished once or twice?" I always explain at this point that by not taking a correct timeout they will receive two consequences and not just one. I then explain that the child needn't ever lose their favorite privelege, "Do you want to know how?" "Well, just make sure that if Mom or Dad count you to three that you take your timeout without complaining, go right to your bed, be quiet until Mom or Dad say time is up and you don't lose your privelege."

In my experience as a therapist and using this model, the system fails most often when parents are inconsistent in applying it.

I always add a consequence for the parent too! I explain that Mom and Dad think it so important that the child(ren) learn to follow instructions, that they promise to MAKE them take a time out every time they count to three. And they (the parents) think that this is so important that any and every time they forget to make them take timeout, the parent will pay the child $1.00.

Other information parents should consider before using this technique:
Some critics of 1-2-3 Magic say that it does not develop insight in children. I urge parents, when it is convenient and when they are inclined to do so, by all means explain the reasons why the rule is valid or why the child must do the task. But do it on the parent's terms and after the child complies.

Lastly, this is an easy model to follow due to it's simplicity. But no model of parenting will work if done inconsistently. I define consistency as consistency between parents and caregivers (have every one in charge of the child be consistent), consistent from one time to the next, and consistency between what you say and do. (Do not say "three" if you cannot or will not place the child in timeout.)