The hypothesis that adolescent mothers have more negative attitudes toward child rearing than more mature mothers was investigated in this study. Twenty-one adolescent mothers between the ages of 13 and 19 years were compared to 12 mature mothers who ranged in age from 21 to 34 years. A 12-item questionnaire was administered to the subjects who had a minimum of one child with a maximum age of 28 months. Data analysis was accomplished using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Contrary to previous findings, a significant difference in child rearing attitudes between the adolescent and the adult mothers was not found. Other variables (educational level, marital status, parity and race) were then identified and tested. Mothers with more than 12 years of education showed a trend toward more positive attitudes in child rearing. Neither marital status nor parity influenced mothers' attitudes. White adult mothers showed more positive attitudes than either black adult mothers or white adolescent mothers. Child rearing attitudes appeared to be influenced by age, educational level and cultural patterns. These variables may have exerted a compounding effect on the total study. An attempt to implement an adolescent mothers' child care discussion group was not successful. Reasons for mothers' non-participation and general issues concerning adolescent parenting practices are discussed. (Author/RH)