This study examined the effects of interpersonal cognitive problem solving (ICPS) training for inner city mothers on the problem-solving skills and behaviors of their children. Twenty black mother-child pairs received training and 20 pairs matched in ICPS ability served as controls. The children were of comparable mean age (4.3 years), school behavioral adjustment and sex distribution (10 boys and 10 girls per group). All children attended federally funded day care. The training involved ICPS training for the mothers themselves and a sequenced set of 20-minute lessons that the mothers administered to their children daily for 3 months. Results showed that relative to controls, trained mothers improved in ICPS ability and mother-trained children improved in both ICPS ability and in school behaviors. It was concluded that ICPS ability functions as a significant behavioral mediator and that mothers' improved thinking and childrearing style skills contributed significantly to their children's development of that ability. (JMB)