On Angela’s recommendation, I ordered this book last week and received it in the mail the day before yesterday. I read it in one sitting that same night, and started implementing the “four steps” immediately. Now, I don’t want to tout it as a miracle cure, and I’m aware that we are only two days in, but I can already see a difference in the amount of backtalk coming out of Lydia’s mouth.

It’s a pretty strict approach outlined in the book, a zero-tolerance policy for backtalk, if you will, but I’ve started to realize that nothing less will work for some kids. The book’s authors advocate giving no warnings before administering consequences, no second chances, and no time off for good behavior, so to speak. I admit that it’s hard for me to stand so firm, but I have to admit, also, that an approach with warnings, multiple chances, and backpedaling hasn’t been working well for us for a number of years now.

Thanks so much for directing me to this book, Angela! I can’t tell you how much we needed it.