The Decline of Discipline: How Parenting and Leadership are Shaping Society’s Future

It’s five in the morning again. I’ve just woken up, done some meditation, and my mind drifts back to something I witnessed yesterday. I was in a shopping center and noticed a young child running wild, causing chaos while the mother sat there, scrolling through her phone, seemingly indifferent. It struck me because this scene is becoming more common, isn’t it? Parenting, once about instilling boundaries and discipline, now often seems to involve little more than distraction management.

It got me thinking: have we lost the discipline that children truly crave and need to grow into responsible adults? What happens when kids grow up without clear boundaries? They carry that lack of discipline into adulthood, and that’s where things really start to unravel.

Let’s talk about how this erosion of discipline—both in parenting and in leadership—is impacting society and what we can do to turn the tide.

Parenting in the Past vs. Present

In the past, parents may have gone too far with discipline. We’ve all heard stories (or experienced them ourselves) of overly strict punishments that bordered on cruelty. The old ways were far from perfect. But today, we seem to have swung too far in the opposite direction. Many parents are reluctant to discipline at all, for fear of being too harsh. Instead, children are given free rein, with little to no structure, and the consequences are obvious.

Without discipline, children don’t know where the boundaries are. They aren’t learning how to regulate their own behavior. So, they act out—whether it’s in a shopping center or in the classroom—and no one steps in to set things straight.

The issue isn’t just about momentary bad behavior; it’s about the long-term effects. Children who never experience discipline fail to develop self-discipline. And without self-discipline, life becomes a series of poor choices and unchecked impulses.

The Ripple Effect: Leadership and Society

But this lack of discipline doesn’t end in childhood. Those undisciplined children grow up and enter the adult world, taking on roles in workplaces, communities, and even leadership positions. And here’s where the ripple effect becomes most dangerous.

We often look to leaders to set the tone for society. Yet many of the so-called leaders today lack the very discipline and respect they should embody. They’ve grown up without clear boundaries and now lead without clear principles. Instead of serving their communities, they seem more focused on their own agendas, often ignoring the needs of those they were meant to uplift.

When you peel back the layers, you’ll find that many of these individuals never had the structure and discipline required to shape their character. Whether due to privilege, indulgent upbringings, or simply a lack of accountability, they’ve never been held to the standards that should come with their positions of power.

Self-Discipline: The Missing Key

The solution? It’s twofold. First, we need to reintroduce a healthy form of discipline into our homes. Children need boundaries, not as a form of punishment, but as a way of learning self-regulation. Discipline teaches responsibility, respect, and accountability—values that shape not just individuals, but communities as a whole.

Second, we need to apply those same principles of discipline to ourselves. It’s easy to criticise others for their failings, but are we living by the standards we expect from others? Self-discipline is key to personal growth. When we master it, we not only live more fulfilling lives, but we set an example for others.

A Call for Action

Society doesn’t change overnight, but every step matters. As parents, as leaders, and as members of a community, it’s time to ask ourselves how we can embody the values we want to see in the world. Discipline, both in ourselves and in how we raise the next generation, is a good place to start.

Let’s challenge ourselves to lead by example and remind those around us that real leadership starts with self-discipline. And let’s hold those in power accountable, demanding the discipline and integrity we deserve from those we look up to.

Conclusion

In a world that’s becoming more chaotic, discipline seems to be a lost art. But it doesn’t have to be. We can reintroduce it—gently, firmly, and with the intention of building a better future for our children and our society.

What do you think? Have you seen a decline in discipline in your community or even in yourself? Leave your comments below—your insights could spark the next conversation.

Cheers,

Gary