Using Ethiopia rural household survey (ERHS) panel data set (1994-97), we evaluated the impact of prime age adult mortality on child survival and growth. We employed propensity score matching (PSM) with difference-in-difference (DID) estimators to control for endogeneity of adult mortality to child survival and growth. Bereavement (child living in a household with adult mortality) increased the probability of child mortality, with girls faring worse than boys. Bereaved boys and the poorest surviving bereaved children grew one third of a standard deviation slower than their matched non-bereaved counterparts in the same group. Preventing adult mortality is an important policy strategy to improve children's health and longevity. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.