Parenting 101: Mufasa! - Madhura Ashokkumar

If you know me well, you already know that The Lion King holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just an animated classic — it’s a profound reflection of life, community, responsibility, and yes, parenting. The animal kingdom in The Lion King is a reminder of the empathy we must extend to one another, the importance of communal growth, and the gentle art of raising children with compassion.

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that Mufasa, the noble lion king himself, is an underrated parenting icon. His wisdom goes far beyond majestic roars and royal duties — it's in how he connects, teaches, and loves his son, Simba. And from this beloved character, I’ve gleaned a few lessons worth sharing. So here’s my humble take: Parenting 101 from Mufasa.

1. Offer a Safe Space

What do children really need from us? A place where they feel safe, understood, and accepted. Someone to look up to — not for their perfection, but for their presence. Mufasa gave that to Simba in one of the most telling moments of the film.

Remember when young Simba ventured into the elephant graveyard, drawn by curiosity and bravado, only to find himself in real danger? Mufasa swooped in to save him, not with rage, but with reassurance. Yes, Simba had made a mistake. But instead of scolding him with shame, Mufasa chose empathy. He didn’t belittle or punish. He guided. He created a safe emotional space for his child — a foundation for secure attachment and trust.

2. Teach Boundaries with Compassion

There’s a moment when Mufasa stands with Simba, overlooking the vast kingdom. “Everything the light touches is our kingdom,” he says. Simba, like any child, pushes the line — “What about that shadowy place?” It’s classic childhood curiosity: wanting to go where we’re told not to, assuming that power equals permission.

Mufasa doesn’t snap. He gently teaches his son about limits — about how strength also lies in restraint. This moment holds a quiet power: it’s not just about where a king can or can’t go. It’s about helping our children understand that there are boundaries — for safety, for growth, for respect. And those boundaries don’t diminish them; they protect them.

3. Raise Children in Community

In many traditional cultures — including our own — parenting was never meant to be a solo act. It’s heartbreaking to see that sense of collective care eroding. But The Lion King reminds us of a world where the wellbeing of the pride, the herd, and even the smallest creature matters.

The film paints a vivid picture of what it means to live interdependently — celebrating births together, mourning losses together, rising to challenges together. We could all use a little more of that: building communities that support parents, nurture children, and allow families to thrive in connection rather than isolation.

4. Prepare Them for Life — Including Loss

One of the most powerful and painful lessons in The Lion King is about loss. Mufasa’s death shook us all. And yet, his words lived on to guide Simba through grief, confusion, and eventually, growth. It’s a truth we face — that life is delicate, and change is inevitable.

In that memorable exchange about the circle of life, Mufasa explains:

“When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelopes eat the grass. And so... we are all connected in the great Circle of Life.”

It’s such a beautiful way to help children understand not just the reality of death, but the continuity of life. We are part of something greater. Our presence, our actions, our values — they ripple through generations.

Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, purpose, and love — just like Mufasa showed us.

How would it be if Mufasa was a therapist?