Throughout our lives we're influenced by many. It can have an effect on the way we view issues within societal boundaries. One of the major influences children have in their lives comes from their parents. The parents of a child can have both a positive and a negative influence on their lives. In the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird", there are two excellent examples of how parents can be a major influence on their children. Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout Finch, plays the loving, kind and knowledgeable father. He is an example of how parents can have a positive influence on their children. Bob Ewell, father of Mayella Ewell, plays the drunken, abusive, and neglectful father. He is an example of how a parent can be a negative influence
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<br>Parents should provide for their children by giving them a sense of stability. Not only should they provide them with love, and care, but they should also provide them with the bare essencials in life. Atticus succeeds in doing this by providing his family with food, clothing, and shelter. Their household is an example of the the security children need in their up-bringing. Bob Ewell however does not provide his children with any kind of stability, but rather provides only for himself and his drinking habits. Their household is described as being a dump. Nobody really knew how many Ewell children there were, "Some people said six, others said nine; there were always several dirty-faced ones at the windows when anyone passed by" (Lee, pg.172). The Ewell family is described to be low lives and the poorest family in Maycomb.
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<br>Parents have the most important task in a childs life by helping them correctly develop their mentality. Not only should they teach them good moral values, but they should also provide them with examples of courageousness, and how to support a family. Every one of these aspects of parenthood are extramly important and can reflect on the entire life of a person. They will most importantly determine the examples and influences that will be passed down from generation to generation.
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<br><b>Biblography</b>
<br><li>To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Warner Books