A majority of parents who have a child who is deaf are hearing and usually have had no experience with deafness. The impact on the parents can unequivocally alter their lives. The professional advice given to the parent regarding their child is often accepted as irrefutable fact, and can lead to the emotional, social, linguistic, and educational success or failure of the child. This article discusses the roles of parents and offers advice on how to be effective parents in this situation. At the core of the uncertainty is the issue of communication. Communication methods include the oral/aural approach, manually coded English systems, bilingual-bicultural approach, cued speech, and total communication. Educational placement options include mainstreaming, residential programs, and day class programs. The author suggests that parents should consider the need for early and consistent communication with parents, siblings, peers, teachers, and other significant people. The author also mentions about various organizations that can be of assistance to parents with questions regarding various aspects of raising and educating the child who is deaf.