Obedience is an act of will and develops gradually, showing itself 'unexpectedly at the end of a long process of maturation.' (Montessori, Maria) While this inner development is going on, little children may obey occasionally, but be completely unable to obey consistently. As their will develops through the exercise of free choice, children begin to have the self-discipline or self-control necessary for obedience. (Haines)

“Obedience is nothing more than a form of spiritual dexterity that presupposes internal equilibrium.” (Montessori, Maria, The Child in the Family, pp. 38-39) “Discipline relates to obedience and there are three steps to obedience which result in a disciplined human. The physiological ability to do the task… capacity always to obey, automatically, …and being anxious, eager, and happy to obey.” (Montessori, Maria, Education for a New World p. 64)