The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perceived parental acceptance on social anxiety and depressive symptoms in children. Seven hundred and thirty eight 5th and 6th graders completed questionnaires. Regression analyses indicated that low levels of paternal acceptance was associated with higher social anxiety and depressive symptoms. Gender was a moderator of the effects of maternal acceptance on social anxiety and depressive symptoms. With high levels of maternal acceptance, girls were significantly less likely to report social anxiety and depressive symptoms, compared to boys. These results highlight the important role of parental acceptance in manifestations of social anxiety and depressive symptoms and clarify the relation of maternal acceptance to social anxiety and depressive symptoms as a function of gender.