In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, where are a few examples that show that Atticus is a caring parent?

Atticus Finch is the the perfect example of a lawyer, a friend, and a parent. He doesn't do one thing wrong in the whole book, it seems. He always thinks of others and has compassion and respect for anyone and everyone. This caring nature extends to his children, too. He's not one of those fathers who comes home at night and ignores his children, he takes time to read and talk with them. For example,...

Atticus Finch is the the perfect example of a lawyer, a friend, and a parent. He doesn't do one thing wrong in the whole book, it seems. He always thinks of others and has compassion and respect for anyone and everyone. This caring nature extends to his children, too. He's not one of those fathers who comes home at night and ignores his children, he takes time to read and talk with them. For example, after Scout's first day of school, he calls her in to read with him just like they do every night. Scout runs out to the porch upset because her teacher told her that her father taught her to read incorrectly. Instead of getting upset at Scout disobeying him, Atticus goes out to her and patiently waits for her to explain what was upsetting her. The scene unfolds as follows:

"I told Atticus I didn't feel very well and didn't think I'd go to school any more if it was all right with him. Atticus sat down in the swing and crossed his legs. His fingers wandered to his watchpocket; he said that was the only way he could think. He waited in amiable silence, and I sought to reinforce my position . . ." (29).

Atticus's patience is impeccable and he uses it with everyone as well as with his children a number of times throughout the book.

Another time that Atticus is shown to be a good father is when Miss Maudie and Scout are talking about the Radleys and the fact that most people have secrets that they keep in the house and never show in public. Scout vouches for her father and says the following to Miss Maudie:

"Atticus don't ever do anything to Jem and me in the house that he don't do in the yard" (46).

Miss Maudie agrees with Scout by saying,

"Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets" (46).

She's basically saying that Atticus doesn't have any skeletons in the closet; that is to say, he doesn't have any disgraceful secrets that would call his character into question. Therefore, if Atticus is the same in the house as he is in the streets, this also means that he's patient and caring to his children as well as to his neighbors and colleagues. Throughout the rest of the book, Atticus demonstrates this respect for other people time and time again.