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Authoritative Parenting Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

What’s your parenting style?

A parent’s approach to raising kids can have a major effect on their children’s lives—and their own well-being. Understanding your parenting style, and being open to some adjustments, could benefit the entire family. See where you land on the continuum.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. When my child has a tantrum, I usually give them what they want.
Disagree
Agree
2. I don’t allow my child to interrupt me when I’m speaking.
Disagree
Agree
3. My child does not get whatever they ask for.
Disagree
Agree
4. I feel confident about setting rules for my child.
Disagree
Agree
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5. Children should be praised only when they put forth their best effort.
Disagree
Agree
6. My kids have clear limits on their screen time.
Disagree
Agree
7. I want my child to speak up if they have questions about my rules.
Disagree
Agree
8. I know the names of most of my child’s friends.
Disagree
Agree
9. I explain to my children why we have certain household rules.
Disagree
Agree
10. I trust my child to make the right choices without any help from me.
Disagree
Agree
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11. I’m comfortable saying no to my child.
Disagree
Agree
12. When I tell my child they will be punished, I follow through.
Disagree
Agree
13. I will not bribe my child to get them to do what I want.
Disagree
Agree
14. It’s important to set firm boundaries with a child.
Disagree
Agree
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15. There are more important things than my child always being happy.
Disagree
Agree
16. I am my child’s parent, not their friend.
Disagree
Agree
17. I encourage my child to express themselves even if they disagree with me.
Disagree
Agree
18. I talk to my child about the consequences of their actions.
Disagree
Agree
19. I worry that if I discipline my child too much, they won’t like me.
Disagree
Agree
20. It’s important to me that my child learns to be independent.
Disagree
Agree

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone curious about their parenting style, or concerned about their relationships with their children. This test is designed for adults and is not intended to be prescriptive.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you think your parenting style may be negatively affecting your family, you can speak to a mental health professional about ways to shift your behavior. You can find one near you in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory. 

Sources

Baumrind, D. Effects of authoritative parental control on child behavior.

Robinson, Clyde C., et al. The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ).

Steinberg, L, et al. Authoritative parenting, psychosocial maturity, and academic success among adolescents.