Online Quiz: Am I a Bad Dad?

When your child asks for something, do you always give it to them?

It’s just easier to give in and buy them whatever. As long as they stop whining, I’m good.

Every parent buys love. If they want something and I can afford it, then why not?

If it’s reasonable, like a glass of juice, then sure. But I absolutely don't give-in to begging.

I try to meet them half way. As long as they don’t ruin their appetite, it’s whatever.

How available do you make yourself to your children?

I prefer that they know that I’m always here for them whenever they need.

When I’m off of work, I need my alone time. And they know better than to disturb me.

I do the best that I can. However, sometimes life happens and I just can’t be there when they need.

They know where to find me. If they need me badly enough they can come to me.

If your child is in their room with the door closed, how do you react?

As long as I know that they aren’t having any funny business in there, that’s their space. If I need them, I’ll knock.

You have to listen to your gut, and if you think that you need to go in there, you just do. Besides, they could be doing the drugs in there.

This is my house, and they just stay there. Hence why I didn’t bother putting locks on their door.

I try to respect their privacy. But if I suspect that something’s up, I might knock and then immediately open before they can say “no”.

How much do you rely on your children to take care of you?

I’m the parent, not them. I try to lean on them as minimally as I can.

I expect them to pull their own weight, but I don’t need them to be my caregiver or anything.

I’ve worked hard all day. I expect someone else to have dinner on the table when I show up.

I may have them help me out a little more than most parents, but it just makes us that much closer.

Would you rather that your children fear you, or respect you?

They need to know that if they do something dumb, there will be consequences. A little fear goes a long way.

I would prefer that they respect me. If they are going to fear me, it needs to come from a place of reverence.

I was always afraid to ask my father for things, and I never want them to feel that way with me.

They should be scared of me. If they aren’t afraid of their old man, then I’m doing something wrong.

A lot of dads don’t like enforcing rules. How strict are you when it comes to house rules?

I am not over-the-top. As long as they don’t do something stupid, I might look the other way.

As long as they aren’t hurting anyone, what’s the matter? Let them be.

Children need structure in their life. Rules are meant to be followed, not broken.

The neighborhood knows that I’m the Cool Dad. Here, let me show me you how to light that cigarette.

Sometimes dad does know best, but do you make every single decision for your child?

I want to make sure they succeed in life. And to do that, they need my guidance to make the right decisions.

I certainly get the final say, but if they don't like baseball, I’m not going to force them to keep playing it. Life’s about having choices.

Of course I do. My kid’s an idiot; they wouldn’t last a day without me telling them how to live.

There are steadfast rules like homework first and no fighting. However, if I know they’ll be okay, I can give them some extra leash.

If you have more than one child, do you try to be impartial?

One of the best ways to show that you care is by being fair.

My daughter knows that she’s daddy’s little girl, and my son knows that he needs to toughen up. A little favoritism won’t hurt.

I’m impartial within reason. But if one screws up, I shouldn’t have to punish both.

When you have an angel of a child and a monster as their sibling, how can you not show favoritism?

How committed are you to projects? Do you finish one first before moving on?

Integrity is important no matter the situation. I never start a new project before finishing the previous one.

Sometimes when I get a Honey-Do list, it’s easier to start one while the paint dries or something. The order isn’t important, so long as it all gets done.

There are only so many hours in a day, and I have lots to do. So, yeah, I will leave unfinished projects, but it’s not entirely my fault.

Occasionally something winds up being left undone, but life gets busy. It’ll get finished when I have the time. Or feel like it.

How materialistic do you tend to be?

Everyone has something that they want to buy. But I never make a purchase until I know my family has everything that they need first.

I like video games just as much as they do. But I’m not going to forego getting the latest and greatest before them.

I work hard for my money. If they want something, they need to take care of it.

Sure, I like to buy the occasional thing. But it’s not like they’re going without food.

As a parent, how do you view trust in terms of your children?

Of course they trust me! I’m their dad! Besides, they do what I say around here.

It depends on the situation. Sometimes letting your guard down only leads to them disappointing you.

I can’t even turn my back on these monsters. I have to keep them in line whether they want it or not.

Trust is a two-way street. It may be tough at times, but they need to trust me as much as I trust them.

In your arsenal of parting tools, do you utilize guilt?

Sometimes I just can’t get them to see how badly the decision they’re making is going to impact them. I just have to guilt them out of it at some point.

I might toss in the general light parenting guilt trip. That's the right of any parent.

If they look guilty, then they are guilty. And if they are, they need to be treated as such.

If they’re asking me for permission, chances are they’ve already decided. And to make them reconsider, you need a hefty helping of guilt.