How are Atticus's principles and teachings reflected in the attitudes and actions of his family in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus does the best he can to impart his advanced system of values on his children, rather than traditional Finch values.

The Finches are an old established family.  They would tend to consider themselves superior to others.  However, Atticus is not like them.  He is educated, and he worked hard for everything he has.  He went to law school, and made sure his brother went to medical school.

Atticus doesn’t think like most of the other people in Maycomb. He appreciates people for what they accomplish, not their social status or race.  He also tries to teach his children these same values.  He wants them to learn empathy and compassion.

Atticus is raising his children on his own because his wife died when they were younger. In his household, he gives Calpurnia a lot of weight and admiration. He believes that she can somewhat fill the hole that not having a mother has left, and he treats her with respect.

For his children, Atticus wants understanding of others to be a top priority. This is one of the reasons he is so adamant about them not acting out Boo Radley’s life story for all the neighborhood to see. He also tries to teach Scout that you will get along with people better if you look at things from their perspective.

Atticus takes Tom Robinson’s case because he has been assigned it, but he also does his best.  He believes that he is being a role model for his children by taking the case.  He knows that it will be difficult for them, but he also believes it will be character forming.  Atticus explains to Scout why he took the case.

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. 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. (Ch. 9) 

Atticus makes sure that Scout is respectful toward everyone, whether or not they are poor or black.  He also makes sure that she learns how to stand up for what she believes in.  As the trial continues, Scout does learn the meaning of empathy. She puts herself into the shoes of Mayella, the victim, and later Boo Radley. Her father’s values sink in. 

Alexandra, Atticus’s sister, competes with Atticus in instituting a value system into his children.  She wants them to understand that they are special because they are Finches, and she values whites above blacks.  Atticus tries to placate her by explaining it to them, but he falls short.  Scout is so upset at the difference in Atticus that she cries. 

“You really want us to do all that? I can’t remember everything Finches are supposed to do…”

“I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it.” (Ch. 13) 

Atticus realizes that you can’t raise your children one way and then all of the sudden expect them to understand a completely different system of values.  He decides they are better off just trying to understand people and treat them with respect.