The Ultimate Parenting Skills Test: Are You a Good Parent?

Are You a Good Parent?

You are about to take the Epstein Parenting Competencies Inventory (or EPCI). Designed by Dr. Robert Epstein, one of America's most distinguished research psychologists, this is a comprehensive inventory of ten types of skills - "The Parents Ten" - that are important for raising happy, healthy, productive children. The content of the test is based on scientific studies, and the test has been empirically validated with a group of more than 2,000 parents. Higher test scores are associated with better outcomes in child rearing.

Most people are able to complete the test in less than 15 minutes, and there are no right or wrong answers. Just select the response that seems best. After you answer all the questions, you will be given a detailed report that will give you your scores and explain what they mean. This is just the start; once you know your EPCI scores, there are many avenues you might pursue to improve your parenting skills.

NEW! If you are a parent of teens or preteens, you might want to take Dr. Epstein's newest test, the Epstein Teen Parenting Inventory, accessible at TeenParentingSkills.com.

Also available now: If you know a young person who is depressed, angry, or defiant, he or she might be suffering from Extended Childhood Disorder. Find out at ExtendedChildhoodDisorder.com.

Before we get to the inventory itself, we'll ask you a few basic questions about yourself. Demographic information is being collected for research purposes only and will be kept strictly confidential.

To make sure the scoring is accurate, be sure to fill in all the blanks!

First name and last initial: Age:
*Highest Degree: None High School Associates College Masters Doctorate	*Race/Ethnicity: White Black Hispanic Asian American Indian Other	*Gender: Male Female	*Sexual Orientation: Straight Gay or lesbian Bisexual Other

*Are you a parent?
No Yes

*How many children have you had?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+

*Have you ever been married?
No Yes

*Are you currently married?
No Yes

*Have you ever been divorced?
No Yes

*If you are a parent, how long have you been one?

Years: Months:

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how happy have your children been (on average)?
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how healthy have your children been (on average)?
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how successful have your children been in school or work settings (on average)?
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how good has your relationship been with your children (on average)?
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how good a parent do you think you are?
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

*Have you had any training or education in parenting?
No Yes

*If so, approximately how many hours of training or education have you had?

If a teacher, counselor, physician or other professional suggested that you take this test, please identify him or her, as well as his or her institutional affiliation.

Okay, here is the test itself....

1. I take my child in for medical check-ups on a regular basis.
Agree Disagree

2. I plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Agree Disagree

3. I am careful never to say negative things to my child about other people who are important in his or her life.
Agree Disagree

4. I have trouble putting a positive spin on things.
Agree Disagree

5. I encourage my child to live a moral life.
Agree Disagree

6. I sometimes do nice things for my child just because I love him or her.
Agree Disagree

7. I'm always available to answer my child's spiritual questions.
Agree Disagree

8. I generally support my child's decisions.
Agree Disagree

9. I manage money well.
Agree Disagree

10. I always try to be aware of my child's hopes and dreams.
Agree Disagree

11. I encourage my child to get good grades.
Agree Disagree

12. I support my child's spiritual development through special schooling or other means.
Agree Disagree

13. I participate with my child in the celebration of religious holidays or other religious or spiritual events.
Agree Disagree

14. I reward my child far more often than I punish him or her.
Agree Disagree

15. I encourage my child to bathe regularly, brush his or her teeth, and in other ways to maintain good hygiene.
Agree Disagree

16. I encourage my child to exercise regularly.
Agree Disagree

17. I read and try to learn new things in order to serve as a good role model for my child.
Agree Disagree

18. I always provide adequate food, clothing, and shelter for my child.
Agree Disagree

19. I try to make sure that my child gets restful and adequate sleep.
Agree Disagree

20. When I penalize my child, I make sure that he or she has some way to earn back what was lost.
Agree Disagree

21. I encourage my child to read.
Agree Disagree

22. I set a good example for my child by regularly participating in spiritual or religious activities.
Agree Disagree

23. I encourage my child to stay away from friends who may be a threat to his or her safety.
Agree Disagree

24. I try to involve my child in healthful outdoor activities.
Agree Disagree

25. I have always tried to teach my child to maintain positive and constructive relationships with other people.
Agree Disagree

26. When in a relationship, I always try to be aware of and to fulfill my partner's needs.
Agree Disagree

27. I'm good at putting a positive spin on things.
Agree Disagree

28. I set a good example for my child by eating healthful foods.
Agree Disagree

29. I regularly give my child chores to do in order to teach him or her how to handle responsibility.
Agree Disagree

30. I often ask my child about his or her hopes and dreams.
Agree Disagree

31. I occasionally struggle with serious bad habits, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or gambling.
Agree Disagree

32. I make a point of rewarding my child when he or she follows my instructions.
Agree Disagree

33. I never put down or insult my child.
Agree Disagree

34. I always try to support my child's participation in legitimate spiritual or religious activities.
Agree Disagree

35. I've been physically affectionate with my child over the years in ways suited to his or her age and needs.
Agree Disagree

36. I rarely ask for my child's opinions.
Agree Disagree

37. I am open about sharing my religious and spiritual beliefs with my child.
Agree Disagree

38. I always try to find ways to reduce sources of stress for myself and my child.
Agree Disagree

39. I always encourage my child to respect the religious beliefs of others.
Agree Disagree

40. When in a relationship, I try not to argue in front of my child.
Agree Disagree

41. I constantly strive to improve myself.
Agree Disagree

42. I continually try to lead by positive example so my child can imitate my good behavior.
Agree Disagree

43. When I am employed, I always show up for work prepared and on time.
Agree Disagree

44. I try to teach my child how to solve problems on his or her own.
Agree Disagree

45. I typically have a steady income sufficient to cover my expenses.
Agree Disagree

46. I have trouble managing money.
Agree Disagree

47. I often find myself overwhelmed by stress.
Agree Disagree

48. I make sure that dangerous items and substances in my home are not accessible to my child.
Agree Disagree

49. I try to encourage my child to express his or her individuality and uniqueness.
Agree Disagree

50. I make rules for my child that are appropriate to his or her abilities and maturity level to try to keep him or her safe.
Agree Disagree

51. I always try to teach my child how to be safe when engaging in potentially unsafe activities.
Agree Disagree

52. I regularly take my child to the doctor and dentist for check-ups.
Agree Disagree

53. I think about and plan for the future.
Agree Disagree

54. I only punish my child for the purpose of teaching and never because I am out of control.
Agree Disagree

55. I encourage my child to socialize with people who have spiritual or religious beliefs.
Agree Disagree

56. When in a relationship, I have trouble apologizing and forgiving.
Agree Disagree

57. I am always prepared for emergencies and possible hard times.
Agree Disagree

58. Whenever it's appropriate, I try to coordinate my parenting with the other parent.
Agree Disagree

59. I never punish my child for something he or she did accidentally.
Agree Disagree

60. I'm always available when my child needs someone to talk to.
Agree Disagree

61. I keep my home clean and well organized.
Agree Disagree

62. When in a relationship, I often have trouble communicating with my partner.
Agree Disagree

63. I have often told my child that it's important to respect the religious beliefs of other people.
Agree Disagree

64. When in a relationship, I am always ready to apologize and forgive.
Agree Disagree

65. I teach my child constructive ways of reducing and managing stress.
Agree Disagree

66. I encourage my children to keep up with current events.
Agree Disagree

67. I regularly try to attend events at my child's school.
Agree Disagree

68. I always treat my child with respect.
Agree Disagree

69. I rarely attend events at my child's school.
Agree Disagree

70. When I'm away, I always make sure my child is properly supervised.
Agree Disagree

71. When in a relationship, I often have trouble resolving conflicts with my partner.
Agree Disagree

72. I often reward my child's good behavior.
Agree Disagree

73. I keep safety items, such as a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit, in my home.
Agree Disagree

74. I try to make sure that my child completes homework assignments on time.
Agree Disagree

75. I always make sure my child has appropriate supervision when I am not available.
Agree Disagree

76. I keep in touch with my child's teachers.
Agree Disagree

77. I encourage my child to wear protective gear when participating in potentially dangerous activities.
Agree Disagree

78. I regularly reward my child for following my instructions.
Agree Disagree

79. I encourage my child to set goals for him- or herself.
Agree Disagree

80. I try to exercise regularly to serve as a good role model for my child.
Agree Disagree

81. When my child talks to me about health-related issues, problems with friends or school, or other sensitive matters, I try to be supportive and not to judge.
Agree Disagree

82. I have taught my child ways to handle emergencies, such as fires or accidents in the home, appropriate to his or her abilities and maturity level.
Agree Disagree

83. I occasionally take time away from my child to recharge.
Agree Disagree

84. I try to reward my child's good behavior immediately so my child can associate the reward with the good behavior.
Agree Disagree

85. I try to serve healthful meals at home.
Agree Disagree

86. I'm good at prioritizing.
Agree Disagree

87. I try to avoid self-destructive ways of dealing with stress.
Agree Disagree

88. I make sure my child always has the school supplies and educational resources he or she needs.
Agree Disagree

89. I try to teach my child how to manage his or her emotions.
Agree Disagree

90. I try to be available to my child if he or she needs help with his or her homework.
Agree Disagree

91. When in a relationship, I make sure I spend quality time alone with my partner.
Agree Disagree

92. I generally encourage my child to make his or her own choices.
Agree Disagree

93. I regularly practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing, or imagery exercises.
Agree Disagree

94. I try to teach my child positive methods for managing the behavior of others.
Agree Disagree

95. I always encourage my child to be positive and caring toward other people.
Agree Disagree

96. I often reassure my child that when he or she does something wrong, I still love him or her.
Agree Disagree

97. I often ask for my child's opinions.
Agree Disagree

98. I've warned my child about the dangers of illegal drugs and try to stay aware of his or her possible drug use.
Agree Disagree

99. I always show my child that I'm listening carefully by expressing interest in what he or she is saying.
Agree Disagree

100. No matter how busy I am, I try to spend quality time with my child.
Agree Disagree