Teachers of hearing impaired children should be aware of the impact of a hearing impaired child on the family. The family may progress through stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Added complications of guilt make the situation more involved. Teachers can be effective in dealing with parents if they remember to listen, clarify what is and is not confidential, give the parents information, use terminology they can understand, be sensitive about nonverbal messages, and refer parents to a trained professional if needed. (CL)