A father is someone who is there for his children, to care for them, love them and teach them to face the world on their own. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch cherishes his children, Jem and Jean Louise, and wants them to strive to exceed their potential. Jem and Jean Louise, also known as Scout, love their father for everything he does. Atticus does his best to teach his children right from wrong with his own personal methods that are not to be judged. Many neighbors and family members question and complain about the control Atticus has over his children. Neighbors, as well as family members, often complain about the behavior of the Finch children. Maycomb, where the Finches live, is an old town where residents forget what it's like to have children playing and laughing with each other. Jem and Scout created new games every day to play together, like role-playing games or rolling down a hill with a tire until it hit something. In addition to games, Atticus does not allow his children to stay in the house, but wants them to explore new adventures in the neighborhood. Due to ignorance of the children and their actions, Atticus is accused of "letting his children run wild." Similar to the neighbors, Aunt Alexandra, Atticus's sister, thinks that Scout is not a lady. Aunt Alexandra thinks Scout shouldn't run around and play in the dirt, but instead wear pretty clothes and do girly things. Aunt Alexandra even tried to enforce the use of Scout's proper name, Jean Louise. Throughout the novel, Aunt Alexandra complains to her brother about Scout's behavior. Alexandra claims that Atticus is not doing the right thing for his daughter by letting her run around ... middle of paper ... because of the situation his children have faced. When the children found themselves in a life-threatening situation, he realized the horrors of the world and how he could not always protect his children. He thought he should prepare them for anything. He also realized that he had raised two of the bravest children ever, who faced the most difficult situations of their lives. Throughout the novel, Atticus's childcare methods, lessons, and attitude toward his children show that he is a good father. Jem and Scout loved their father for what he did for them and others. They knew that their father was a great man who did things for the common good and didn't care about people's judgments. Despite all the complaints and rumors about Atticus's methods of raising his children, Atticus knew that he had raised two strong children and his children knew that they had a strong father..