***I absolutely did check out every program I considered for my child. I checked credentials and references.
Which program? References being? More than the Ed Cons do, which isn't saying much.
***I agreed with the methods of communication provided with my child. By the way, these angry teens aren't too interested in communicating with their parents, and certainly aren't interested in having their interests encouraged and having realistic expectations set.
If that's really the case, how is it that programs use contact with parents to motivate kids to "work the program"? So your kid's angry and you just give up? If that's the case, you fail the test your kid put you to.
Can you explain in graphic detail how exactly the strangers (21 year old interns?) at the program were able to get your kid to comply with their expectations, when you the parent couldn't? What methods did they employ?
***Do you really not GET the kinds of behaviors that were going on? This isn't Seventh Heaven, sweetie, it's teens who are out of control, dangerous, threatening and totally estranged from the family.
Interesting how the description of program kids changes depending on the argument being put forth. I assume you were describing your child? Now, how would other parents, with kids who are failing math or talking back, feel about their kid being warehoused with dangerous delinquents? I've never seen a program advertise that they take dangerously out of control kids. What threatening and dangerous behaviors was your child exhibiting?
***Oh, yes, my dear child, let's sit down and discuss your goals and how things went in algebra class today. What planet are you on?
That tone and attitude is not conducive to effective communication. Did the program teach you a different approach? Or did they teach your child to bark on que?