Are You a Good Parent?
Epstein Parenting Competencies Inventory (EPCI) v. 1.4.1, © 2007-2012, Dr. Robert Epstein  

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?
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   10  High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how healthy have your children been (on average)?
Low   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   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   10  High

*On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest, how good a parent do you think you are?
Low   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