You are about to take the Epstein Parenting Competencies Inventory (or EPCI). Designed by Dr. Robert Epstein (follow on Twitter at @DrREpstein), 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 questionnaire is based on scientific studies, and the test has been empirically validated with a group of more than 2,000 parents. Higher questionnaire scores are associated with better outcomes in child rearing.
Most people are able to complete the questionnaire 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.
If you are conducting research and would like to collect raw data for a group that is taking this questionnaire - for a business, research study, classroom activity, or other purpose - please see our Group Testing Instructions
The EPCI is also available in six non-English languages: Croatian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish, and Turkish.
If you are a parent of teens or preteens, you might want to take Dr. Epstein's newest questionnaire, the Epstein Teen Parenting Inventory, accessible at TeenParentingSkills.com.
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!
*Required response
For each of the following questions, select the answer that best applies to you.
*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
*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