All children, sooner or later, must learn to parent themselves. As adults, we have to set our own bedtimes and monitor our own intake of food and drink. We must decide, for ourselves, whether we have been good or bad - and hence, whether we are deserving of praise or punishment. Punishment? Why would any of us ever set out to punish ourselves? Why indeed, would any conscious, caring, sensitive soul seek to punish anyone of any age?