In a study of the relationship between parents' ethnic attitudes and socialization practices and the ethnic identity of their American-born children, 60 adolescents, aged 16 to 18 years, from 1 of 3 ethnic groups (Asian American, Black, and Hispanic) and one parent for each adolescent, were surveyed. The research was conducted to provide information on ethnic identity and self-esteem. The adolescents, who attended an ethnically diverse urban high school, were selected as scoring either high or low on ethnic identity. Parents of adolescents high in ethnic identity differed significantly from those with low ethnic identity in two ways: (1) the importance they attached to maintaining their cultural heritage; and (2) the extent to which they tried to teach their children ways of dealing with such problems as prejudice and discrimination. There were significant ethnic group differences in the socialization practices of parents; for example, Asian parents were most likely to talk to their child about the culture, and Hispanic parents were most likely to practice traditions in the home. All parents cited education as necessary, but Black parents stressed hard work and Asian and Hispanic parents emphasized fitting in and getting along with others. The parents of high-scoring teens provided more information to their children on all aspects of socialization that concerned ethnicity. Contains four references. (Author/LB)