Modern foreign languages (MFL) currently appear to be close to demise, as the number of pupils opting for the subject at Key Stage 4 continues to fall. This paper addresses the issue of the key role of parental support in relation to attitudes of pupils towards MFL. It reports on a study conducted at two secondary schools which made use of teacher and parent questionnaires and a small number of parent interviews. The questions posed concerned: the importance attached by parents to MFL; whether parents could help children with MFL study; gender differences in attitudes; and socio-economic backgrounds. The findings, while based on small samples and therefore not generalisable, point to future lines of inquiry into this important question. (Contains 1 table.)