Kat, this is a very interesting discussion for a number of reasons.
First off, what you're learning in school is completely at odds w/ the vast majority of American culture. And I think, to a great extent, the old fashioned ways are far superior to the new psychologized, scientized ideas about child rearing.
But there's a bait and switch going on here. When these salesmen describe structure, discipline and accountability we old farts get nostalgic for the good old days. When I was a kid, if I got caught out of bounds (which was not near so often as I actually went exploring) or commiting any other transgression, my dad would give me hard labour. I'd be scraping and painting the house or mowing the lawn or cleaning out a utility room that hadn't seen a broom in
years! I was alright w/ that. Even if I was sure my dad was, he was the dad and I took my lumps. Also got the satisfaction of a job well done and being able to call it done and over with, having redeamed myself of the transgression (till next time... heh) Plus, it was my damned house. He never handed me any meaningless, worthless work. It was always something worth doing.
I do pretty much the same thing w/ my kids, thought not quite such hard work. And, like my dad always did, once they get started and show some interest, I forgive them and pitch in. Usually, we all wind up throwing in on whatever the project is.
But that's not what's going on at MMS, is it? But the're bying it. They think these Synanon based programs are just doing things the old fashioned way when, in reality, it's a whole lot closer to good old fashioned Maoist indoctrination.
Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.
--Napoleon Bonaparte, French emperor