Extended quotations from informal interviews with eight families focus on the experiences of parents in adjusting to life with a handicapped child. In the first part of this paper, seven interview questions probe the following issues: positive and negative experiences with other people's reactions; most and least helpful actions by others; effects of the child's disability on the family (social, emotional, financial, professional, marital); and type and degree of support offered by the spouse. Subsequent sections present brief quotes from parents organized under the following titles: "Tips for Educators,""Kudos to Educators,""Tips for Parents," and "Attitudes and Sayings to Avoid." Among recommendations for teachers are to treat parents with respect, avoid conversational cliches, and recognize that parents are experts about their children. (JW)