Parenting

'To Kill A Mockingbird' Gave Some Fantastic Parenting Advice

by Maria Guido
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Harper Lee, author of, To Kill A Mockingbird dies at age 89

Harper Lee died today, at age 89. Her death got me thinking about the first time I read her classic To Kill A Mockingbird, and how moved I was — even as a fifth grader. The imagery has stuck with me, and when I returned to it in high school, and again in college, I began underlining pieces that moved me — like I’ve done in so many books throughout my life.

I started combing through quotes today after seeing the news that Lee had passed. To Kill A Mockingbird is a gem. Reading through these quotes again today, I can’t wait to share the book with my children. So many of the lessons Lee illustrated through her work still hold true.

On understanding…

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

On appreciation…

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

On courage…

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”

On human nature…

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”

On equality…

“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”

On kindess…

“Atticus, he was real nice.”

“Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”

On love…

With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.

On fighting…

“You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ’em get your goat. Try fightin’ with your head for a change.”

On truth…

“When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don’t make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion faster than adults, and evasion simply muddles ’em.”

Rest in peace, Harper Lee. And thank you for your beautiful words.

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