This issue examines the causes and effects of stress among parents of handicapped children and offers guidance for reducing and/or avoiding stress. The factors contributing to parental stress are identified, including unfounded guilt feelings, prolonged dependency of the handicapped child, extended care requirements, marital discord and family tensions, increased financial burdens, and reduced free time. The typical physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to stress are then enumerated. Suggestions provided for reducing stress include relaxing through exercise or other diversion, learning yoga or other meditation techniques, using biofeedback, attending to one's own needs for short periods of respite, using guided imagery, and immersing oneself in a hobby or pastime. Methods of avoiding stress which require longterm changes in attitudes or habits are presented through discussions of such issues as acceptance, communication, and time management. A list of parental "do's" and "don'ts" is provided along with a psychologist's suggestions for easing feelings of guilt: (1) accept that the past cannot be changed; (2) promote self-approval; (3) examine effects of one's behavior on oneself and others; and (4) do not let others use guilt as a weapon. (VW)