Hey Jay, your points are valid. Growing up, my parents were soft. While some lessons came with slippers, belts and brooms, I, like you, planned escaping a billion times. Perhaps a million times over! Nonetheless, my parents were generally gentle. I could have turned out wayward, but didn’t.
The truth is, children also play a significant role in shaping their own upbringing. Parenting is a collaborative effort. Since parents can't always be present, kids must develop self-responsibility.
So JF in essence is telling us that he could have been a badoo omo mushin. Very interesting.
Bullseye! It may be hard learning certain things on your own growing up, but it's up to you at the end of the day.