A discussion of parent behavior antecedents, cognitive correlates, and the multidimensionality of locus of control in young children includes reports of several different experiments. Results indicated that development of internal control expectancies is correlated with cognitive-intellectual development. Maternal behaviors were studied through a structured observation technique. The maternal behavior variable most consistently related to the child's internal-external control (IE) was "quality of the total relationship". There is fairly conclusive evidence for the efficacy of manipulating IE in early childhood through parent education and consultation programs. (SBT)