It was a fifth and final, and most general…

Page 143. It was a fifth and final, and most general principle parents have a duty to act as proxies for the real world, merciful, proxies, caring, proxies, a proxies nonetheless. This obligation supersedes any responsibility to ensure happiness, foster creativity, and boost self-esteem. It is the primary duty of parents to make their children socially desirable.

— from Family & Parenting (Family/Parenting) · 12 Rules for Life, An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson

In the book

Discipline is not anger, and it is not revenge for a misdeed; it is an act of responsibility, a careful combination of mercy and long-term judgment, and it takes real effort to do well. Think of yourself as a merciful proxy for the real world — better that a loving parent teach the hard lessons than that the cold, uncaring world teach them later. The aim is to make your child welcome everywhere, which is why a short list of firm rules — do not bully, share, be good company, pay attention when adults speak — is one of the kindest things you can give them. […] Love out loud. Fill the bucket with confidence, say plainly that you are proud, and listen so fully that they know their voice matters. Discipline as mercy, not anger. Be the real world's kind proxy; give them a few firm rules so they are welcome everywhere; and let them fail safely rather than smothering their competence. Teach by living it. Model the values you want rather than imposing them; mind whom you expose them to; raise givers, not takers, and practice it together. — Family & Parenting (Family/Parenting)

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