Humans often need guidance, understanding and care to grow up as intelligent, well functioning adults. In Harper Lee's novel she suggests that sometimes it is better to parent on instinct rather than inexperienced advice. Atticus is a good father because he lets his children be independent while still setting reasonable guidelines.
Atticus teaches his kids well by leading through example. This is shown by how he always treats every case fairly, like Tom's case. This type of parenting shows that Atticus has good judgment. Being one of the more moral characters in town, you can be sure that Atticus' children will be moral too. Atticus does not allow his advantage over nature to influence him when he is asked to pick up a gun. This shows me that he can be a trusted, good influence on children. When a character has an advantage over anything they should always demonstrate self control and intelligence when dealing with a situation. Through his responsible actions and control over himself in bad situations, Atticus has shown his parenting ability.
Atticus allows his children to be independent thinkers by explaining various situations and not restricting Scout and Jem's reactions. When Aunt Alexandra comes and tries to convert the kids to believe in her ideas, Atticus tells them why she is doing what she is doing and then he lets them respond how they want to. I can interpret from this that Atticus does not want his children to grow up with any bias. This promotes a feeling of justice in Atticus' sensibility. When Atticus is at the courthouse, he does not force Jem and Scout to go home. This event makes the fact that Atticus trusts his children more apparent. When Atticus is tested he will usually come through for his children and their voice in the world. Atticus will not let anyone else's opinion affect his parenting and he shows respect for his children's opinion's as well.
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