Implications of parental self-esteem for the subsequent personality qualities and self-esteem of the developing child were explored in this investigation. The sample consisted of 65 mothers and 44 fathers who completed a self Q-sort and an ideal-self Q-sort when their children were 12 years of age. At the ages of 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, and 14 years, 54 girls and 51 boys were assessed according to the California Child Q-set. The children also completed self Q-sorts and Q-sorts of their ideal-self when they were 14 years of age. Results indicated that high self-esteem in mothers and fathers is associated with children of maturity, ego resiliency, and differentiation at adolescence. Father self-esteem was found to be more influential than mother self-esteem, especially in regard to children ages 4, 7, and 14. It was concluded that parental self-esteem is significantly related to the emerging personality of the child throughout childhood and adolescence. (RH)