He is the eternal grandparent who may make demands, and even threaten, but never carry out what he has said. The ten commandments become the ten suggestions for them. Obedience is our witness to the world that our faith is genuine and real. By learning obedience to their parents, they learn to obey God. Parental controls teach them how one day to control themselves.
Parental discipline leads to self-discipline.
Let me be quick to say that this is no justification for abuse. Punishment just for the sake of punishment finds no place in Scripture. Discipline is not a payback, it is for the purpose of correction. Discipline, whatever form it takes, always has a goal in mind turning the child toward positive behavior. God began the entire nation of Israel with one man.