The bilingualism of children of one American and one French parent is described here in comparative perspective against the background of residence in France or Great Britain. Allfour parents are somewhat proficient in both languages. Certain similarities and differences in their situations are pointed out, and the role ofbilingual socializer filled by the parents is analyzed. The conclusions are based on the study ofexcerpts ofrecordings of two bilingual children playing or talking with their parents, Thibaud (3,5 years old) in France, and Samuel (4,9) in England.