As children get older, self-discipline should take the place of imposed discipline. Constrains become internalized and children begin to weigh from within the validity of their promptings(敦促). But their tendency to be self-critical,to develop a code of their own,depends on the extent to which they must have kept critical company. The dialogue within reflects the dialogue without that is why discussion is so important during adolescence. Those in authority over children will,therefore,attempt to get children to do what is sensible by appealing to their common sense instead of ordering them around or appealing to their own status. They will not say,'Im your father arid Im telling you not to smoke,'but will point out the dangers involved. It is a further question,however, whether a childs acceptance of good reasons should be the criterion for his action. If a parent explains to a child why it is stupid and wrong to put objects on railway lines,and yet sees him doing so,will he stand aside and reflect that the boy is learning to choose? Parents must weigh their own fundamental principles against what is instructive for their children. Example,of course,is crucial. Parents and others must provide a pattern out of which the child can eventually develop his own style. of self-regulation. This is not likely to happen unless exercise of authority is rationalized and sensitively adapted to age,to persons,and to the tasks in hand. For the young will tightly rebel against the irrational expression of a traditional status. In brief, teachers and parents must learn to be in authority without being authoritarian. When children get older,_____.