From my experience as a parent I know that children, being self-centered, are often quite capable of ignoring what they do not wish to abide. Likewise, I know there are times when there is no room for discussion, which suggests future violations will be followed by more discussion. There are times when a parent must establish that there will be no more discussion.
Perhaps the good doctor’s kids sprung forth as fully rational beings with a sense of responsibility and the rights of others, but I can assure him that is not always the case.
You said a mouth full. Having raised 3 boys, I know to well the mischief they can get into. Children do NOT reason, they do NOT think, they are impulse driven, until taught other wise.
Case in point, oldest was about 10, left with grandfather, so I could take my mom for groceries, as she did not drive, and he hated that chore. He was tilling, left the partially filled gas can out, left the site for a few minutes, Little MR Know it ALL dribbled the gas half way to the house when it ran out. Then he went and got the torch sparker out of the garage. WHOOM! No real damage was done. Until I got home and gave him a taste of the BELT. Never set another fire in his youth. Youngest was stubborn, took getting burned on the hot oven to make an impression on him as a toddler that HOT meant NOT to touch.
Took different methods to teach each child. But when it came to what was dangerous activities, the belt was the cure to curbing it.