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When people talk about their child ‘learning discipline, what is it that they really want him to learn? Probably, most or all of the following:

Do what you’re told without questioning or resisting, whenever I or any other authority tell[s] you to do something.

Go on doing what you’re told for as long as you’re told. Never mind how dull, disagreeable, or pointless the task may seem. It’s not for you to decide.

Do whatever we want you to do, willingly. Do it without even having to be told. Do what you’re expected to do.

If you don’t do these things you will be punished and you will deserve to be.

Accept your life without complaining even if you get very little if any of what you think you want, even if your life has not much joy, meaning, or satisfaction. That’s what life is.

Take your medicine, your punishment, whatever the people above you do to you, without complaining or resisting.

Living this way is good for your soul and character.

John Holt, Freedom and Beyond