i think this alternative approach works well for children up to about 11 years old.it can also work well for young people aged 17 and older. but where i think it doesn,t work is for children aged 11 to 16. many of them get bored. they play video game and surf the internet or watch violent movies. they may start to smoke or to drink alcohol to pass the time. children at this age need more guidance and support. i don,t think children this age are old enough, or responsible enough, to benefit from this approach.