In Chapter 3, Scout comes home from a rough first day at school, and Atticus asks his daughter if she is ready to read. Atticus immediately notices that something is bothering Scout and asks her what's wrong. Scout laments about her new teacher, Miss Caroline, and Atticus teaches her an important lesson in perspective. When Scout refuses to go back to school because Burris Ewell only has to attend the first day, Atticus explains Burris' situation and teaches Scout another lesson about compromise. Atticus' willingness to find out what is bothering his daughter and his ability to explain important life lessons displays his good parenting skills.
In Chapter 9, Scout gets in trouble for punching and verbally assaulting her cousin Francis Hancock. Uncle Jack is quick to grab Scout and spank her for her offensive behavior. When Scout goes to her room, Uncle Jack follows her and attempts to talk to Scout. She tells him that he is being unfair and doesn't understand children much. Scout then says, "Well, in the first place you never stopped to gimme a chance to tell you my side of it---you just lit right into me. When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn't ever just listen to Jem's side of it, he hears mine too..." (Lee 113). Scout mentions Atticus' positive parenting attributes by commenting on his conflict resolution skills.
In Chapter 11, Jem loses his temper and destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes. Atticus is quick to discipline his son and tells Jem to go visit Mrs. Dubose and apologize for his actions. Atticus then makes Jem read to Mrs. Dubose for two hours every day, except for Sundays, for an entire month as punishment. After Mrs. Dubose passes away, Atticus explains to his children that Mrs. Dubose was a courageous individual, and he wanted them to witness what real courage was. Atticus' decision to make his son take responsibility for his negative behavior, and at the same time teach him lessons in tolerance and courage, portrays Atticus' excellent parenting abilities.
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