This study examined the associations between preschoolers' behavior in their family and a couple level index of parenting style. This index is defined as the difference in the amount of emotional interaction between mothers and fathers with their children. Thirty-eight families with a preschool-aged child took part in a laboratory visit, and mothers and fathers completed a questionnaire about their marriage. Laboratory ratings of the warmth, pleasure, coldness, and anger of parents' interactions with their child in dyadic sessions were used as an index of parenting style. The association of each of the four interaction variables to four other variables was examined. These variables were: (1) child behavior in a triadic family session; (2) marital conflict; (3) the emotional intensity of parents' interaction with their child during dyadic sessions; and (4) the difference in emotional intensity ratings of mothers' and fathers' interactions. Results demonstrated that couple differences in the intensity of their warmth, pleasure, and anger were related to children's decreased ability to concentrate on tasks. Results also indicated that couple differences in warmth were linked with greater amounts of negative affect expressed by children toward parents during family sessions. Seven references are cited. (Author/BC)