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Scout is maturing quickly throughout the story. She reflects that it isn't until she is much older that she understood the full wisdom and impact of her father's words.
At this point in the book, Atticus is talking to Uncle Jack and is telling him about how he takes care of his children. Scout is listening the entire time.
when she realizes all those years later that he WANTED her to hear what he was saying, she realizes that he was saying those things to show her he trusts her. He wants her to know that he knows she is trying her hardest for him, and that’s all he needs.
When he mentions the Robinson case slightly later on (while Scout is still listening) he is warning her about what is coming. He’s telling her indirectly that it’ll be hard on their family, and is showing her that it’s always better to do what’s right rather than what’s popular.
This shows that Atticus isn’t an incredibly strict parent, but rather chooses to let his children come to him. If Scout or Jem fails at something, as long as he knows they tried their hardest, he will be happy. He knows it isn’t easy for Scout to do the things he is asking her to do, which is why he is reminding her that he is okay with failure, but isn’t ok with her not trying.
