It's been a few months since my last post and lots has happened. Josh is progressing nicely through Monarch's program...maybe not as fast as we'd like, and not without some bumps along the way, but good progress nonetheless. We see him monthly, either out there when we visit him or here when he comes home, and each time he seems healthier, more sure of himself, more caring of those around him and more connected with his family.
I know there are people who criticize Monarch and other schools like it (and several have posted comments on this blog), characterizing its practices as brainwashing, abusive, cultish or just plain ineffective. And I can see that the program would not work for every child or in every situation; but for our son, the school, its staff and its program have been just what was needed. It's not perfect and I don't always agree with everything they do, but I have seen tremendous growth in my son in the past several months and I am grateful. I know this is something we could not have achieved on our own.
As I have read the critical (and sometimes crude and abusive) comments, I have observed that not one of the people making those comments has actually had first-hand experience with the Monarch School as a student or as a parent. So I am not sure where they get their information or why they see themselves as such authorities on the subject. I am sure I will get a flurry of comments in response to this. And go ahead. Have at it. But just know that I WILL NOT post anything with abusive or crude language.
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So glad to know that things are going well for you and Josh! Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteI was a student of Monarch back in 04. I was similar to your son in that I played a lot of video games (not WOW) and was into a lot of fantasy stuff. Didn't do any drugs or get into any trouble.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own experiences, but I very much dislike Monarch and think it was a damaging place. The reason I went into fantasy was because of how I was mistreated at school by my peers, and had I simply had some more direction in proper socialization techniques I may have been completely fine.
Monarch did hardly anything to help me, everything I have achieved has been through my own realization and maturation. I am 24 and just bought my first home and work at a very good job. All monarch gave me was horrible nightmares, memories and anxiety issues.
Everyone is different, and perhaps "josh" will not have the same feelings as I did.
I hope whatever his feelings are about Monarch, now, or in the future you will support him in those feelings. I can't talk about it with my mom much because she feels so cheated out of her money, and the time we lost together.
Oh and I still love and play video games, I am just now mature enough to know when it is time to stop.