The hypothesis of this study was that a behavioral, activity oriented approach to group meetings would produce a greater change in maternal child rearing practices than one utilizing a lecture, question and answer paradigm. A total of 65 women whose children were in an early education program, were divided into two experimental groups and a control group. The parents were told about their role in their child's school performance, the skills their children would need in school, and how they could foster the development of these skills in their child rearing practices. Results show that participation in a parent education program can produce significant changes in child rearing attitudes and practices. The experimental mothers showed a significant increase in behaviors nurturant of identification and cognitive growth in the child. Among the greatest changes in group members were an increased sense of mastery, and enhanced aspirations for themselves. Suggestions for further studies are made, including investigation of the father in the parental education program. (KJ)