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How Is Atticus Finch A Good Father

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Too often, people forget that discipline really means to teach, and not to punish; discipline is helping a child solve a problem, not making them suffer for having one. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Finch, a loving and respectable father, gives his son, Jem, a fair punishment for his actions against Mrs.Dubose, a cranky old neighbor. One day Mrs.Dubose exclaims crude comments about Atticus and what he stands for to Jem, who then, acting within the clutches of anger, lashes out by destroying her yard. When he returns home, Atticus makes him apologize for his actions, resulting in Jem having the final discipline of reading to Mrs.Dubose for a month every Saturday. Furthermore, Atticus is an exceptional father because he teaches Jem the value of good discipline and …show more content…

When Jem gets home from destroying Mrs. Dubose's yard Atticus “Strongly [advises him] to go down and have a talk with Mrs.Dubose” (Lee 119). This punishment teaches Jem that he has to take responsibility for his actions and own up to his mistakes. Jem acted out in anger, so by Atticus teaching him the value of owning up to his mistakes he is also teaching him how to control his anger. By giving Jem a punishment due to his behavior, Atticus is enforcing good rules and guidelines for him. Atticus is teaching Jem the importance of apologizing for his actions so he is setting good “guidelines and rules that align with [Jem’s] values and purpose[s]” (Peterson) Setting guidelines for children is a wonderful way to make them grow as a person. Rules are a good tactic to keep kids in line but to also help them flourish. By putting in place these rules for Jem, it is enforcing good behavior. Atticus giving Jem simple guidelines and rules to follow, is an easy way to not only enhance their relationship, but create a happier environment for the both of

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