Parenting Style of Atticus as a Widowed Parent to Jem and Scout

¶ … Kill a Mockingbird: Parenting To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the most successful, controversial, unique and engrossing books of 20th century- characterizing the racially segregated times of 1930s in Maycomb. The book specifically follows life of two young children Scout and Jem and their father, Atticus Finch. In this extraordinary tale of courage and morality, Atticus Finch epitomizes stability, humility, high moral and ethical values and exceptional parenting skills.

As a single parent in 1930s, life wasn't easy for ordinary people, but Atticus is not an ordinary widower. He is an exceptional lawyer who understand the worth and value of human life. It is in this belief that his parenting philosophy is grounded. He doesn't look at his children as little people who can be overpowered, but views them as individuals with their set of needs and acknowledges their quest to gain knowledge.

Atticus doesn't follow the book when it comes to parenting- he doesn't feel that Jem must not know about rape or that Scout is too young to be allowed to read. He believes that if they are ready to know more, it signals their growth and this growth must be nurtured in the best possible manner. Atticus' rules are simple: value human beings and see things from their point-of-view.

This was what had made him a very successful parent and an exceptional father that both Jem and Scout look up to. Interestingly, Atticus treated them as equal and adults which was the reason why they called him by his name. Scout is an aggressive child and finds it difficult to get along with others at school- Atticus tells her a golden rule which he believes can help solve her problem: "If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along with all kinds of folks.

You never really understand a person until you see things from his point-of-view -- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Lee 30). This was indeed a sign of Atticus' humility and wisdom that he also wanted to instill in his children. He understood that the best way to deal with people was to view their problems, their issues, and their reaction from their position and that it when everything becomes clearer.

Despite being a white successful lawyer in 1930s, Atticus was a humble wise man who had actually seen the world through the eyes of wisdom. He wanted his children to learn some of things that he had learned the hard way and wanted them to become better human beings. Throughout the book, we see several examples of Atticus' wisdom as a parent and his exceptional behavior with his children. He is a thorough gentleman- something that his kids have also come to understand, respect and appreciate.

On one occasion when Scout learns from Miss Maudie about her father's talent with guns, she gets very excited. Scout wants everyone to know about Atticus' talent but Jem, being older than Scout, instinctively knows it was not a talent his father was very proud of and that he would appreciate if others came to know about it. "I'd reckon if he wanted us to know he'd a told us. If he was proud of it he'd a told us .. But Atticus is a gentleman ..

And people in their right minds never take pride in their talents" (Lee 98). Atticus has seen the world from the eyes of wisdom and knows that people are often not as bad as they appear to be if only we could walk in their shoes. When Scout and Jem show resentment against Bob Ewell, Atticus reiterates his philosophy: "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes for a minute, I destroyed his last shred of credibility at the trial, if he had any to begin with.

The man had to have some kind of comeback, he always does. So if spittin' on my face and threatening me saved Mayella one extra beating, that's something I would gladly take. He had to take it out on someone and I'd rather it be me, then that household of children out there, do you understand?" (Lee 218). Despite his tough exterior, Atticus loves his children immensely. He shows physical affection rarely but there are many other instances where it is clear that Atticus was an affectionate father.

Scout and Jem know they can depend on him and they fully understand that no matter what happens Atticus would never take a decision without listening to both sides of the story. Whatever he does.