Parenting In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus is the of father two children, Scout and Jem. Being a parent alone remains an arduous task, but a single parent is an utterly different level. Every parent will say parenting remains the utmost challenging task they have ever executed. Although Atticus has assistance from Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra, parenting remains just as challenging for him. In a society where being a single dad is not the norm, Atticus still raises his children to respect others, recognize right from wrong, and to be honest at all costs.
Atticus has raised his children to respect others, no matter their social level or past. In one section of the novel Atticus tells Jem and Scout, “‘[Folks] are certainly entitled to think [they are right], and they are entitled to full respect for their opinions’” (Lee 149). He was encouraging his children to respect others opinions, even though their opinions may not seem moral or ubiquitous. He encourages them to not judge people, but to look at their more favorable side. Atticus tells Jem, “‘I wanted you to see what real courage is…’” (Lee 139) after Mrs. Dubose died, when he was explaining to Jem that she was not as devious as a person

He makes sure Scout knows not to fight. Atticus tells Scout, “‘You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. Try fighting with your head for a change…’” (Lee p.101). He does not want Scout to fight anymore, he wants Scout to use her head instead of fighting. He also wants his children to always apologize for their wrong doings. He said, “‘Apologize to your aunt’” to Scout (Lee 181). He said that because Scout was being disrespectful to her Aunt Alexandra, and she thought that was okay. He was showing Scout that she needed to listen to every adult not just him, and that if she did not there would be consequences, which is very important for children to know while growing