Decribing a father's strict treatment of his children

Question

In the movie "The Sound of Music" the father, who was also a captain, was very strict with his children. He would always give them all kinds of commands and always used a whistle.

What's the best way to describe the way he was treating them?

1. He was treating them like in the army.
2. He was treating them like an officer treats his soldiers.
3. He was treating them like in the military.
4. He was treating them like soldiers.
5. <Your option?>

Answer 1

Maybe something like: He ran a regimented household, showing little affection for his children.

Regimented is defined as: strictly controlled; organized according to a strict, sometimes oppressive pattern. The word has a military sense to it, but is not exclusively a military term.

Answer 2

He is a martinet (a rigid military disciplinarian, or one who demands absolute adherence to forms and rules).

Answer 3

I like your second example. Here is my suggestion:

He was treating them like subordinates.