I was definitely threatened with military school throughout my entire childhood. They seriously looked into it too and had someone come to the house and discuss it with us. Ultimately they forced me into a Catholic high school instead because I was always getting in trouble lol.

My brothers always complied when my father barked orders at us. I always pushed back. I tested him at every turn and got the belt often. Even at a very young age I felt I should be treated as an equal not a kid you can boss around (of course I didn’t know that’s what I was feeling enough to articulate it).

I started doing my own laundry and making my own meals around 12. My brothers would ask for toys or games and they would say no, I would find work and save money to buy my own stuff like a TV so they couldn’t say no. I learned how to wire the coax in my house to secretly get cable in my room. When I turned 15 I got a real job and saved ally money. I payed for my own car and insurance when I got a license so they couldn’t prevent me from driving or leaving.

Looking back I was certainly independent, but also probably a nightmare to deal with. I’m surprised they didn’t go through with the military school, it must’ve been too expensive.