This study examined influences of maternal HIV on concerns among inner-city minority families. Findings indicated that beyond concerns reported by early adolescent children of HIV-negative mothers, concerns of children of HIV-positive mothers included mothers' sickness and death, adult responsibilities, and uncertainty about their futures. HIV-positive mothers' concerns included stigma and children assuming adult roles. Although early adolescents and mothers communicated about concerns, the quality of those discussions was unclear. (Author/KB)