This study examined the role maternal and child characteristics play in children's subsequent communication development. The relationship between parent-child interactions and child communications skills was examined using the Indicator of Parent-Child Interactions (IPCI) and the Early Communication Indicator (ECI). Twenty-two mother-child dyads were assessed at three time points. Children ranged in age from 7 months to 30 months at the start of the study. Significant concurrent relationships were found between child engagement behaviors and total communication scores at time 1 and 3. A significant negative concurrent correlation existed between child reactivity behaviors and total communication scores at time 1. No significant predictive relationships were found. The IPCI total percentage scores at time 1 did not predict ECI total communication scores at time 2 or 3. The need for future research and implications for the field of parent-child interactions are discussed.