This paper reviews the behavior modification and internalization models of parental control of children, and explores the conceptualizations of children's responses to control that are emerging from the literature on development. In the behavior modification model, no distinction is made among types of child compliance or noncompliance. Researchers emphasize the dysfunctional nature of noncompliance, which is attributed to unskillful parental management. The goal of parenting is immediate compliance, and parenting skills involve power assertion. This model does not consider the problems of fostering children's long-term compliance and developing autonomy. In the internalization model, both external and internal control are considered. The goal of parenting is to promote internal motivation in the child, and parenting skills involve power assertion to a minimal degree. Critics suggest that this model underestimates the importance of external control and parental power assertion. The developmental model suggests three categories of compliance: external, internal, and receptive. Parenting skill involves the use of different strategies at different times, depending on the type of compliance desired. Noncompliance is treated not as a coercive behavior due to faulty parenting, but as an expression of autonomy on the part of the child. A list of 21 references is included. (BC)