1-2-3 Magic presents some simple strategies for discouraging unwanted behavior in young children, The process boils down to giving two abbreviated warnings before enforcing a timeout (the duration of which is based on the child's age). Given how easy it is to let your kids walk all over you, there's a lot to be said for having a straightforward approach to maintaining an appropriate level of control. Phelan does a fine job of describing what to do, but doesn't give enough justification for why his approach is better than others. I think it's worth trying, but I can't yet report on how effective it is.