The importance of a child's relationship with the same gender parent, which influences their interactions with mothers and fathers is discussed. Forty 2-year-old girls and boys were observed in interactions with mothers and fathers at home, and behavior ratings were based on the following criteria: availability, warmth, and power structure. Results indicated little evidence that same gender parent modeling and imitation was more likely than opposite gender, although significant sex differences were observed in the above mentioned three criteria. (DST)