Marmee set a good example for her daughters by being a steady influence in their lives and showing them that they should help others who had less than they did. Her success was evidenced on Christmas Day, when the girls donated their long-anticipated holiday food to a needy neighboring family.She also accepted each girl for what she was, and didn't compare them or try to get them to change their personalities. She encouraged Amy in her art and Jo in her writing. She taught them to take their gifts and use them in the best way possible.