I feel that discipline is essential to cultivating maturity in a child. It's hard for me to judge what a lot of parents do with their kids, considering I don't have any. Kids are like people, their all different.. and their being raised in a society much different than their parents.. it's the paradox of growing and reproducing, and why parenting is so hard in the first place. I'd like to think that if you truly take to the responsibility of raising your children, teach them early right from wrong, about the truths of the world and that their are bad people.. assholes.. and morons.. what to expect and how to deal.. to use manners.. to be respectable.. Then maybe, your child might grow up to a considerate, intelligent, and capable individual. I feel that most parents methods of teaching is "You need to listen to me and do as I say".. I think it should be "Let me show you what I know, give you a heads up on somethings, and I have confidence you can do well without my constant input.. but I'm always here if you need some advice". Sure there are moments when a parent should get involved.. but constantly looking over your child's shoulder only instills lack of confidence and defiance.