Scout prepares to spit into her hand for a handshake, and Atticus tells her, "We'll consider it sealed without the usual formality" (28), demonstrating his keen sense of humor.

Another moment where Atticus displays a knowledge of his children's antics comes after Miss Maudie's house catches fire. Atticus tells the children that perhaps they can thank Arthur Radley for wrapping her in a blanket on that cold night; the children were so caught up with the fire that they had not noticed Boo there. Jem begins to excitedly act out Boo's emergence from the house, and Atticus dryly tells him, "Do not let this inspire you to further glory, Jeremy" (66).

Atticus tries to explain to Jem and Scout the true meaning of courage after Mrs. Dubose dies. He tells them that though she was quite contrary, she had battled an addiction in her final days and had left the world free of the drug's control over her, which Atticus admires. He explains,

I wanted you to see something about her-I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do (103).

Following the night when the angry mob comes to Tom Robinson's jail cell, Atticus explains to his children that each of those men is still an individual person, and there are actually decent individuals in angry mobs. Jem is confused, pointing out that they wanted to harm Atticus. His father explains,

Son, you’ll understand folks a little better when you’re older. A mob’s always made up of people, no matter what. Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man. Every mob in every little Southern town is always made up of people you know—doesn’t say much for them, does it? (142)

Jem and Atticus have a difficult conversation following Tom's verdict, and Atticus tells his son that twelve reasonable men allowed "something" to come between themselves and reason on the day of the verdict. He explains that this "something" is the unreasonable act of racism:

There’s nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who’ll take advantage of a Negro’s ignorance. Don’t fool yourselves—it’s all adding up and one of these days we’re going to pay the bill for it. I hope it’s not in you children’s time (201).

Atticus Finch provides some of the most powerful insights in literature. I hope these provide a good starting place for locating more examples of his guidance.

Examples of Atticus's kindness can be seen all throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. Anytime he puts his own perspective aside by going out of his way to see things from others' point of view, Atticus is being kind, because to be kind is to be considerate.

Atticus first preaches his philosophy about seeing things from others' perspectives when Scout feels miserable after her first day of school. Scout got into trouble that day for making her teacher, Miss Caroline, see her as a smart aleck by already knowing how to read and by trying to explain to her the ways of the Cunningham family. While Atticus sympathizes with Scout, he explains that Scout would have responded to Miss Caroline differently that day had she put herself in Miss Caroline's shoes and not expected her to know "all of Maycomb's ways" (Ch. 3). Atticus explains his philosophy to Scout in the following passage:

"First of all, ... if you learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view— ... —until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Ch. 3)

Beyond showing kindness by being able to sympathize with Scout while also seeing things from Miss Caroline's perspective, Atticus further shows kindness to Scout by working out a compromise with her. Scout hates the idea of going back to school because Miss Caroline has told Scout to stop reading with her father. Atticus promises that if Scout "concede[s] the necessity of going to school, then [they'll] go on reading every night, just as [they] always have" (Ch. 3). Atticus's ability to see just how much Scout hates the idea of giving up reading with her father and to work out a compromise with her is another example of Atticus being able to acting kindly.

There are several reasons that Atticus is a good father, and some things he could do better.  Atticus is a good father because he sets a good example, and he cares about his kids.  He could be a better father because he does not follow through on what he says and he puts his kids in dangerous situations.

First of all, Atticus Finch sets a good example for his children.  He explains why he has to defend Tom Robinson, even if the decision is unpopular.

Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one's mine, I guess. (ch 9)

Atticus expects his children to stand up for what they believe in, and he does the same himself.  He does not feel that he can tell them one thing and do another.

Atticus also cares about his children.  He plays with them and cuddles them.  When Scout and Jem show up at the lynch mob, he is genuinely afraid.

I thought he would have a fine surprise, but his face killed my joy.  A flash of plain fear was going out of his eyes, but returned when Dill and Jem wriggled into the light. (ch 15)

Atticus worries about his children, so he clearly loves them.

The incident above is one of the reasons Atticus can do better as a father.  He puts his children in dangerous situations.  This is not the only time his children are in danger.  Someone should have been watching them more carefully.  When the children go to Scout’s play, Atticus lets them go alone.

Atticus said as tactfully as he could that he just didn't think he could stand a pageant tonight, he was all in. … He thought Jem might escort me if I asked him. (ch 27)

Alexandra does not go either.  Atticus does not even insist that Jem goes, he just suggests it.

Finally, Atticus threatens to punish his kids if they disobey him, but he does not do so.  Jem says that Atticus has never whipped him.

This was a thought. It seemed that Atticus threatened us every other day. "You mean he's never caught you at anything." (ch 6)

Atticus tells Uncle Jack he has been able to get away with just threatening.  Still, if a parent says he will do something, he should follow through.  If Atticus’s kids were not good kids, he would have real trouble with them.

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus as a parent is an example of fairness who treats his children well as being able to understand unfairness, and teaches them beliefs or ideas to live by. Atticus talks to his children, trying to explain the adult world.  The children are truly children at the beginning, playing make-believe games with Boo Radley as the villain.  Because it is innocent, no one gets hurt and all is well in their world.  When their father becomes the lawyer for Tom Robinson, their world changes.  Now, the unfairness of their world to people of color begins to affect them.  They begin to see how their father is treated for standing up for Tom or the housekeeper even in the face of his sister's criticism.  The children understand their father's insistence about not judging people, being respectful of all people no matter what others do, and above all, to stand up for their beliefs.

THE BOO RADLEY GAME.  When Atticus catches his children playing their special game about the Radley family on the public sidewalk, he pretends not to know what it is about. When he asks them if it has anything to do with Boo, Jem lies and replies, "No, sir." Atticus accepts the answer, but he knows better. Scout senses that her father must have known, and the children limit their play-acting afterward. Atticus decides that a warning is sufficient (it is), and he realizes that the boredom of the small town leaves the children with little else to do.

THE COMPROMISE.  After Scout's terrible first day at school, she wants to quit. But Atticus proposes a compromise: Scout will return to school, and the two of them will continue their night reading--without Miss Caroline's knowledge. Atticus knows that Miss Caroline is wrong, and he knows that Scout will eventually enjoy school life, so instead of forcing her to go categorically, he allows Scout a choice that works to everyone's advantage.

SCOUT EAVESDROPS.  During the Christmas holidays at Finch Landing, Scout overhears Atticus talking about the Tom Robinson trial. But Atticus is aware that she is listening, so he leaves her with some advice that he wants her to hear.

"I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough.

Scout didn't understand how Atticus could have known she was listening, but

... it was not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said.

Once again, Atticus realizes that his children will be more likely to follow his advice if they think it is by their own choice and not by ultimatum.

Atticus Finch is a single father. He is raising his children on his own, with the help of his housekeeper Calpurnia. Atticus’s advice for parenting is to tell children the truth, and set a good example.

Atticus has his children call him by his first name, but that is not his only unusual parenting technique. When Atticus gives advice to his brother Jack about raising children, he says that it is important to tell the truth.

When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles ‘em. (ch 9)

Another way Atticus is an exemplary parent is that he sets an example for his children to follow. Just as Atticus feels it is important to tell children the truth, because they will know if you are lying, he also believes that he should set a good example for his children to follow. An example of this is when Scout asks him if he is going to win Tom Robinson’s case.

"Atticus, are we going to win it?"

"No, honey."

"Then why-"

"Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win," Atticus said. (ch 9)

It is unusual for a father not to try to protect his children from the truth, and instead to teach them how to make their way in the world. Atticus does not tell his children to do as he says and not as he does. He is sure to be a good person and set an example for them to follow.

Atticus lets his kids make mistakes. This is one of his methods for teaching them and making sure that they learn for themselves. In this vein, he also emphasizes the idea that the kids have power over themselves and their own choices. This creates responsibility, in expectation and the kids' psychology.

What today's society refers to as "character education" is probably the greatest education Atticus gave to his children. In fact the title of the book is from one of his own lessons "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." However, Atticus's lessons weren't didactic--don't run with scissors, look both ways before crossing the street. Atticus wrapped the lessons in love, common sense, goodness, and then let the children discover the truth of the lessons in their own experiences.

Atticus teaches by example.  He plays down the "self" and focuses on the greater good.  For example, he never tells his children he was a great shot in his youth because why would it matter?  But when the rabid dog is in the street he puts those skills to use because it is for the safety of the children and the neighborhood.  We surmise that Atticus is the best lawyer in the area, but Attitus never brags about how many cases he has won or lost, he just gives the most vigorous defence for Tom Robinson that he can.  When he loses, he doesn't point fingers and place blame, he actually acknowledges how the mere time spent on the deliberation is a remarkable change from the old status quo.  He teaches his children to be humble and to do the right thing for the right reasons.

I agree with the first post in that I think that the most important education that Atticus gives his children is the "life lessons," not academics.  Atticus is teaching the children how to be good people, not how to be smart.  So he gives them lessons by telling and showing them how to treat people like the Cunninghams and Miss DuBose.  He gives them life experiences by having them attend the black church.  He counteracts Aunt Alexandra's push to make the kids feel superior.  In these ways, he is giving them a very important education in how to be good people.

Although Atticus never went to school himself, he wanted to make sure his children received a good education--both in and out of the classroom. He had already taught Scout to read before she entered the first grade--unusual at the time and even today. Calpurnia had taught her how to write cursive--unique for the first grade classroom. Atticus teaches by example--he spends a great deal of each evening reading--and he reads with Scout each night. Scout tells the reader that reading is also a priority with Jem. When Scout wants to quit school, pointing out that Atticus didn't go, he comes up with a compromise: They will disobey Miss Caroline's demand for him to stop teaching her if Scout will continue going to school. But Atticus stresses more than just academics. He wants his children to treat people with respect and come to him when they have problems. Despite his busy law practice, he always has time to talk with them and explain any questions they may pose. He tells it to them straight because he knows that children can sense "evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em." Atticus' ways worked with his children, as we find out on the very first page of the novel. Even as adults, when Jem and Scout had an argument, "we consulted Atticus."

Atticus acts as a positive role model for Scout by standing up for what is right in front a prejudiced community. He courageously chooses to defend Tom Robinson because he is morally convicted of doing so and wants to teach his children the importance of following one's conscience under difficult circumstances. Despite his impossible odds of winning the case, Atticus tells Scout, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" (Lee 101). By defending Tom, Atticus is teaching Scout the value of perseverance and determination. Atticus also encourages Scout to be tolerant of their neighbors, despite their difference in opinion. Atticus remains calm under pressure and dismisses the community's derogatory comments and threats. Scout has the opportunity to witness "real courage" by watching Atticus valiantly defend Tom. In Chapter 15, Atticus explains to Scout that real courage is "when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (Lee 149). Atticus also teaches Scout the importance of defending and protecting innocent beings. Atticus knew Tom was innocent, and he tried his best to win the case. Scout learns it is a privilege to protect the weak and vulnerable members of society, and she should never hesitate to come to their defense.

Atticus knows there is going to be trouble in Maycomb over the Tom Robinson trial because he is planning to mount a real defense of the man, challenging the racist environment of the town. He tries to protect Scout by preparing her ahead of time for the problems that will arise. He takes her on her lap and warns that it might be rough going ahead, telling her,

You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat.

Atticus doesn't want either of his children to get into fights and get hurt because they feel a need to defend him from some of the ugly names he will be called.

Atticus also brings in Aunt Alexandra to live with the family. This is a shrewd move, as Aunt Alexandra is the picture of conventional Southern respectability and gets along instantly with all the most important ladies in town. She thinks the way they do, which builds trust. She is a trial to Scout, but she helps the Finch family look upstanding and respectable.

Atticus also expects his children to be respectful of adults and behave in a way that won't invite trouble. But in the end, he can only protect them up to a point.

Atticus Finch works hard at being a devoted father. Although his two jobs as an attorney and a state legislator take up much of his time and sometimes require him to stay in Montgomery, he is attentive and involved in his children’s lives.

Physically, Atticus protects his children when a rabid dog threatens the town. He steps out into the street with his rifle. Much to the children's surprise, their father is an excellent marksman and kills the dog with a single shot.

After Mrs. Dubose dies, Atticus shares with them the reasons she spoke so angrily during her lifetime. While she was alive, however, he did not tell the children of her battles with illness and morphine addiction. Instead, he required Jem to apologize for his violent destruction of her property and to read to her. Atticus first shields his children from knowledge of morphine dependency and then later shares this honestly with them in order to teach them about courage.

Atticus protects his children throughout the novel by passively and tolerantly dealing with the prejudiced citizens of Maycomb. Instead of reacting with bitterness and hate towards the racist community members, Atticus maintains his composure by acting politely towards them. In Chapter 15, Atticus protects his children by telling them to go home when the Old Sarum bunch attempts to lynch Tom Robinson. Atticus also protects his children by sharing the message of tolerance with them. Jem and Scout both learn the importance of treating people with respect regardless of their fundamentally different beliefs. Atticus understands the importance of using love and kindness to oppose hate and violence. His tolerant demeanor, life lessons, and selfless behavior protect his children from the prejudiced community members of Maycomb. 

Good hooks can start with an interesting quote, a short anecdote, a thoughtful rhetorical question, or a statement that rings a profound truth about the subject to be discussed in the essay. Sometimes writing out the essay first can help a writer to discover that truth. Then go back and write the hook after the essay is written. In this case, the truth to be discovered is Atticus from Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus is a father, brother, widower, lawyer, state legislator, and a pillar of his community. (That list of facts could be tweaked into a good opening statement, in fact.) Consider how Atticus speaks and acts to discover the quality of his character and then a profound statement can be created.

Essential passages that highlight the truth found in Atticus Finch can help. Take for example when Miss Maudie and Scout are discussing people in the community who hide secrets behind closed doors. Scout defends her father and Miss Maudie agrees as follows:

"'Atticus don't ever do anything to Jem and me in the house that he don't do in the yard,' I said, feeling it my duty to defend my parent.

'Gracious child. . . I'll say this: Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets'" (46).

The above passage shows that people know that Atticus doesn't have anything shameful to hide from the community and is an upstanding man. This would be good to used if the essay is about his good character.

Next, from Jem's perspective, he sees Atticus as a mystery; but every time he learns something new about his father, he adds to his list of talents for his father. Jem is amazed to learn that his father is a dead shot when he kills a mad dog, but he proudly tells Scout that "Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!" (99). This could be a good quote to use about his character or as and example of a good male role model for Jem.

Finally, the community respects Atticus for the honorable man he is whether they spit in his face or honor him. The best way Tom Robinson's community showed their respect and appreciation for Atticus defending Tom was to give him loads of food the next morning after the trial. Atticus was humbled to the point that he couldn't touch the food they brought him. Also, they showed their respect by standing and waiting for Atticus to exit the courtroom before they left after Tom's trial. Reverend Sykes taught Scout to honor her father in the following passage:

"I looked around. They were standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykes's voice was a distant as Judge Taylor's: 'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin'" (211).

For a good hook about Atticus, determine the focus--whether it is about being a father, a leader in the community, or a humble man--and then use any one of the references above to help out.

Atticus is a loving father because he is involved in his children’s lives but not overbearing, he makes sure to teach his children important life lessons, and he always treats them fairly.

First of all, Atticus is involved in his children’s lives, but not to the point of being too controlling.

Jem and I, plus Calpurnia our cook. Jem and I found our father satisfactory: he played with us, read to us, and treated us with courteous detachment. (ch 1)

Although the children often complain about his being old and feeble, he also gives them chances to experience life.  He is not a helicopter parent.  He does not allow his children to play the Boo Radley game or build a snowman that looks like a neighbor, but other than that the kids pretty much have the run of the neighborhood.

This does not mean that Atticus ignores his children.  He actually is very concerned with making sure they have a strong moral compass.  He tells Scout that she needs to learn empathy in order to get along with people.

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. (ch 3)

He wants Scout to understand that other people have different perspectives, and she needs to understand them.

Atticus also teaches Jem, and Scout, a lesson in courage.  He makes Jem go to Mrs. Dubose’s house to read to her after he ruins her flowers when she insults his father for defending Tom Robinson.

I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway… (ch 11)

Atticus wants his kids to understand that there are going to be challenges in life, but you have to be strong mentally and physically.

Atticus also treats his children fairly.  When Uncle Jack spanks Scout for fighting with her cousin Frances, Atticus tells him that children should be treated fairly and told the truth.

So far I've been able to get by with threats. Jack, she minds me as well as she can. Doesn't come up to scratch half the time, but she tries. (ch 9)

Atticus listens to his children.  He is firm,  but fair.  He is a good, loving father.

In Chapter 3, Scout comes home from a rough first day at school, and Atticus asks his daughter if she is ready to read. Atticus immediately notices that something is bothering Scout and asks her what's wrong. Scout laments about her new teacher, Miss Caroline, and Atticus teaches her an important lesson in perspective. When Scout refuses to go back to school because Burris Ewell only has to attend the first day, Atticus explains Burris' situation and teaches Scout another lesson about compromise. Atticus' willingness to find out what is bothering his daughter and his ability to explain important life lessons displays his good parenting skills.

In Chapter 9, Scout gets in trouble for punching and verbally assaulting her cousin Francis Hancock. Uncle Jack is quick to grab Scout and spank her for her offensive behavior. When Scout goes to her room, Uncle Jack follows her and attempts to talk to Scout. She tells him that he is being unfair and doesn't understand children much. Scout then says, "Well, in the first place you never stopped to gimme a chance to tell you my side of it---you just lit right into me. When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn't ever just listen to Jem's side of it, he hears mine too..." (Lee 113). Scout mentions Atticus' positive parenting attributes by commenting on his conflict resolution skills.

In Chapter 11, Jem loses his temper and destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes. Atticus is quick to discipline his son and tells Jem to go visit Mrs. Dubose and apologize for his actions. Atticus then makes Jem read to Mrs. Dubose for two hours every day, except for Sundays, for an entire month as punishment. After Mrs. Dubose passes away, Atticus explains to his children that Mrs. Dubose was a courageous individual, and he wanted them to witness what real courage was. Atticus' decision to make his son take responsibility for his negative behavior, and at the same time teach him lessons in tolerance and courage, portrays Atticus' excellent parenting abilities.

Atticus is a man of great courage.  One of the reasons why he has great courage is because he is a man of integrity. In a conversation with Scout, he reveals why he will defend Tom Robinson. 

First, he says that he could not hold up his head in town or even continue to practice law.  He says this, because there is an inner conviction that he has to do what is right.  He has to stay true to his personal convictions and be faithful to his occupation as a lawyer. From this perspective, courage emerges from his integrity. 

Second, Atticus also takes his parenting seriously.  How can he tell his children to live a certain way, if he does not live up to his own code of ethics and honor? 

Finally, Atticus believes that every lawyer gets a chance to do something that is important. To defend Tom Robinson is his chance. Here is the excerpt. 

“If you shouldn’t be defendin‘ him, then why are you doin’ it?”

Atticus Finch is the the perfect example of a lawyer, a friend, and a parent. He doesn't do one thing wrong in the whole book, it seems. He always thinks of others and has compassion and respect for anyone and everyone. This caring nature extends to his children, too. He's not one of those fathers who comes home at night and ignores his children, he takes time to read and talk with them. For example, after Scout's first day of school, he calls her in to read with him just like they do every night. Scout runs out to the porch upset because her teacher told her that her father taught her to read incorrectly. Instead of getting upset at Scout disobeying him, Atticus goes out to her and patiently waits for her to explain what was upsetting her. The scene unfolds as follows:

"I told Atticus I didn't feel very well and didn't think I'd go to school any more if it was all right with him. Atticus sat down in the swing and crossed his legs. His fingers wandered to his watchpocket; he said that was the only way he could think. He waited in amiable silence, and I sought to reinforce my position . . ." (29).

Atticus's patience is impeccable and he uses it with everyone as well as with his children a number of times throughout the book.

Another time that Atticus is shown to be a good father is when Miss Maudie and Scout are talking about the Radleys and the fact that most people have secrets that they keep in the house and never show in public. Scout vouches for her father and says the following to Miss Maudie:

"Atticus don't ever do anything to Jem and me in the house that he don't do in the yard" (46).

Miss Maudie agrees with Scout by saying,

"Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets" (46).

She's basically saying that Atticus doesn't have any skeletons in the closet; that is to say, he doesn't have any disgraceful secrets that would call his character into question. Therefore, if Atticus is the same in the house as he is in the streets, this also means that he's patient and caring to his children as well as to his neighbors and colleagues. Throughout the rest of the book, Atticus demonstrates this respect for other people time and time again.

Throughout the novel Atticus imparts many little lessons to Jem and Scout.  Most of them deal with how to treat people and can be summarized fairly simply: treat everyone with respect and dignity.  

One example of how Atticus lived that mantra is his acceptance of the Tom Robinson case. Most lawyers around the Maycomb area would not have taken the case.  And any court-appointed attorney likely would not have put as much effort into defending Tom as Atticus did.  That's precisely why the judge asked Atticus to do it in the first place.  Despite the initial evidence, Atticus never treated Tom as a criminal.  Many of the community expressed racially motivated hatred against Tom too, but Atticus never did that.  In fact, Atticus never treats any race differently, and his treatment of Calpurnia is a good example.  She is treated like a member of the family, not a servant.  

Another good example of Atticus treating everyone with dignity and respect is how he handles his encounter with Bob Ewell after the case.  Bob finds Atticus in the street one day and hurls insults at Atticus and spits in his face.  Atticus simply wipes his face off and walks away.  He isn't even angry about it afterward. If anything, he acts a bit sympathetic to Bob Ewell's situation.  Scout and Jem can hardly believe it, but it is a lesson that sticks with them. 

“He meant it when he said it,” said Atticus. “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand?”

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has to have courage to defend a black man in the deep South in 1930s. During the trial of Tom Robinson, Atticus proved he was courageous. Atticus agreed to represent Tom Robinson even though he was a black man accused of raping a white girl. Atticus knew it would be difficult to persuade an all-white-jury to find a black man not guilty.

When Judge Taylor asked Atticus to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus knew he would face difficult circumstances. Atticus knew he would have to be courageous to endure the suffering he and his family would have to endure. No doubt, Atticus would suffer for defending a black man against a white woman.

Maycomb was a very racial town in the 1930s. Atticus even admitted to his children that he would not win his case. Nevertheless, he knew he had to at least try to win:

Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.

Atticus knew he would have to be courageous because Maycomb was still a racist town. It took courage for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. In Maycomb, in the 1930s, there was no way an all-white jury would believe a black man over a white girl.  

Truly, Atticus's children did suffer during the trial. The town called Atticus derogatory names and Jem and Scout had to endure the town's ridicule. Atticus knew this would be part of the suffering he and his children would have to endure. Still, Atticus held his head high and instructed his children to ignore such racial insults. Indeed, Atticus was a courageous man. Even though Atticus lost, he proved himself to be one tough defense attorney. Tom Robinson had some of the best representation in the town. It took courage for Atticus to follow through knowing he was going up against such a racist community. 

One reason why Atticus is such a special father is that he has a great deal of integrity and makes an excellent role model for Scout and Jem. Even though defending Tom Robinson, an African American man, is a very unpopular choice in Maycomb, Atticus does so anyway because he knows it's the right thing to do. He says, "Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man" (page 108). He has a great deal of integrity and cares more about living up to his ideals than pleasing other people, so he sets a good example for his children. 

Another reason he's a special father is that he encourages his children without pushing them. For example, Scout learns to read by climbing into his lap every night and reading what he's reading. He doesn't push her to read, but he gives her the right type of encouraging situation in which to learn to read naturally. 

Finally, Atticus is a special father because he demands that Jem and Scout respect everyone, even people of lower social status or with whom he disagrees. For example, he forces Jem to apologize to Mrs. Dubose, who is a nasty and cranky older woman who berates Jem and Scout in part because Atticus is defending Tom Robinson. Even though what Mrs. Dubose says is offensive, Atticus forces Jem to apologize to her (and later Jem has to read to her), as Atticus demands that his children treat everyone with respect.

Above all else, Atticus sets an example for his children through his own actions and beliefs. Although he is the lone parent in the household and he is often out of town, he always has time to answer any important questions his children may ask of him. He reads nightly with Scout and plays touch football with Jem. They attend church together and Atticus provides plenty of reading material for his kids, knowing they both love to read and the importance of doing so. He is smart enough to realize that Calpurnia is needed to provide guidance for the children while he is away, and they all love her enough to keep her around in spite of Alexandra's protests. But most importantly, Atticus teaches by example. He is Maycomb's legislative representative in Montgomery, and the children recognize that he is the man that people in Maycomb come to when something important needs to be accomplished. He shows a love of all men and women--black or white--and he rarely has a bad word to say about anyone. He teaches Scout that fighting will not solve problems, and that controlling her temper is part of growing up--and becoming a lady. Both of the children want to become lawyers themselves so they can follow in their father's footsteps. We know that the children follow his advice even as adults, since they both seek him out to settle a dispute that is mentioned on the first page of the novel.

The book shows that Atticus is good parent in a number of ways. 

First, we should point out that Atticus is a single parent. His wife passed away. In light of this, we can say that Atticus' job as a parent is not easy. 

Second, Atticus spends a lot of time with his children. We can see this through many incidental details. For example, Scout knows how to read when her classmates are just learning to read. Scout learned how to read by reading with Atticus every night. 

Third, when Scout gets in trouble at school by Miss Caroline, Atticus does not reprimand her. In fact, he tries to make Scout understand the importance of school and she sees it. Here is a wise compromise that Atticus makes with Scout. 

“If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?”

Lastly, Atticus is always trying to teach his children lessons about life. So, for instance, Atticus has Jem read to Mrs. Dubose. Atticus wants to teach Jem about courage. Here is what Atticus says:

I wanted you to see something about her—I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.