In To Kill a Mockingbird, how does Atticus influence Scout's and Jem's lives?

Atticus influences his children's lives every day through
his words, but more significantly, through his actions and the example he sets for them.
His primary influence is observed in how he shapes their characters. Atticus guides
Scout and Jem as they adopt the values that will define them as
adults.

Through his defense of Tom Robinson, as well as his
direct statements, Atticus counteracts the hateful, destructive racism that surrounds
Jem and Scout in Maycomb. Through his influence, the children are not "infected" with
racist attitudes. Atticus works hard to make certain that Jem and Scout escape this
social disease.

Atticus also influences Jem and Scout in
developing in them a respect for life and the rejection of cruelty. When he teaches Jem
to not kill mockingbirds, the lesson is deeper than it might appear, and it takes hold
in both his children. Scout clearly understands it, as evidenced by her protective
attitude toward Boo Radley in the novel's
conclusion.

Finally, Atticus influences his children in
their sense of basic justice and their respect for it. Tom's conviction hurts Jem deeply
because he understands, and rejects, its injustice. Tom's death affects Scout deeply for
the same reason. Both children have come to recognize the difference between what is
just and what is cruelly unjust, and they reject injustice.