Blog Post 2

I believe that Atticus Finch is definitely a parent. Just because he is not overly protective and "fluffy" with reality, does not mean he is not a good parent. Atticus' teaching strategies may not be popular, but may have been necessary during the time that he was raising his children. His methods may not have only been affected by the time period, but maybe by the fact that his wife died. This could have made Atticus far less flowery with the way he taught his children. He could have possibly thought that his children were growing up without a mother, and that was the reality of it. He figured that they should live their lives knowing and understanding the reality of things since they had to start their lives with the harsh reality of no mother. Atticus teaches his children important things in life. He raises his children to be racially accepting, and respectful of others. One major life lesson he teaches his children is not to shoot mockingbirds. He tells his children that they could shoot all the blue jays they wanted, just never a mockingbird. Mockingbirds are innocent birds that just sing. Blue jays are not innocent birds. They steal eggs and terrorize other birds. This requirement for his children was a lifelong message for them. They should never blame and/or attack the innocent ones life just because they can or it is easier. In some sense I think Atticus is a better parent than all of the rest in Maycomb. His children are mature, respectful, and not racist. Adults in today's world need to be extremely cautious with their children. There are so many danger out in the world now. The internet is an amazing thing, but it can also be very dangerous. Parents need to be strict with their children in different areas than what was needed in the past. Making sure that their children know internet safety and other safeties is extremely important. Though their are new factors that need to be accounted for in parenting, mush of it is similar to previous teaching methods. Like Atticus' teaching style, parents should teach their children to be respectful and accepting of others. Parents should be close with their children. They should give guidelines on what their children should do, not just advice after something happens. Parents should make sure their children know that they are the adults, and even though they are friends, the children must respect the parents.