This study identified the associations between maternal racial socialization practices and child developmental outcomes by examining the effect of poverty, maternal temperament, positive affect, and social support on socialization. The sample included 51 8- and 9-year-old African American girls of various socioeconomic levels from the Girls' Health and Development Project--a longitudinal investigation of girls; social, emotional, and physical development during middle childhood. Findings suggested that poorer mothers engaged in socialization practices less often than mothers with higher incomes. Mothers' temperament and social support were also highly predictive of mothers' engagement in racial socialization. Findings also reveal that maternal socialization is highly predictive of girls' developmental outcomes. Engaging in racial socialization may be a way African American mothers can promote healthy development in their children. (Contains two tables, three figures, and nine references.) (SLD)