But luckily, it's not just our parents who teach us valuable life lessons. To make their job easier, there are countless fictional parent characters we can all learn something from. Get to know some of our favorites now.
Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)
For many, widower Atticus Finch is one of the best fathers in film history. He is the perfect role model in many ways and a man far from the cliché. He always acts according to his moral compass, is protective of his children, incredibly patient, strict but fair and always has a story ready, no matter what the occasion. It only takes one of his many inspirational quotes to learn to love Atticus: "You can never really understand a person until you see things from their point of view - until you climb into their skin and walk around in it."
Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)
Although not a mother herself, the lessons Mary Poppins taught children and adults alike are still relevant today. She is a great example of how far a positive attitude can take you and that laughter can heal almost any wound. She was also, in many ways, one of Disney's first feminist icons. She owed no man an explanation and although she was a loving and caring nanny, she was by no means naive. Unlike many other female characters of the time, she acted with reason and was not guided by emotion. Finally, she also taught us the valuable lesson of never apologizing for who we are, but embracing our own strengths and flaws to become the best version of ourselves possible.
Molly Weasley (Harry Potter)
They may not be the most famous or powerful wizards in Rowling's wizarding world, but the Weasley family are prime examples of loving parents. Molly Weasley in particular is both caring and devoted, strict but also remarkably even-tempered considering her children are constantly getting into trouble. She teaches us that it is not wealth that enriches our lives.
Captain Raymond Holt (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Captain Holt from the US sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine may be an unusual choice for this list, but his place is well deserved. Although he has no biological children, the police officers in his department are still child enough to need his stoic, fatherly instruction. He is a good example of how hard work pays off and standing up for your cause is worth it. He and his husband are also the symbol of a happy same-sex marriage.
What was the most formative thing you learned from your (or fictional) parents and when was the last time you thanked them for it?
