Sheble: I don’t know any school that turns away volunteers. It’s a very valid way to find out what’s going on. I know grandparents my age who go in and read to first graders and that does help to enhance the school. As far as your child goes, I just think when you get to know the teachers and professionals, there are all kinds of things you can do. And you know you can pray for them. Dads too! I think God really listens when men join together to pray. I really do – not that He doesn’t listen to women – but it’s very powerful when men do it.

Crosswalk: What preparations do parents need to make for home schooling? What organizations and resources are available to help them?

Sheble: There are a lot of them listed in the book. Every state’s regulations are going to vary. I would say make phone calls, and lots of times, the state government will be able to tell you if there is an organization in the area. All of the information I found on the Internet is very accessible these days. That would be a good source.

Crosswalk: Can you give parents a few tips for surviving the stresses of home schooling?

Sheble: I would say get some support, but that’s true with most things in life. It helps if you have a support group or a friend down the street, especially if you could switch off kids for a day. It’s great if the kids have a playgroup too. I’ve been in cases where a church would allow home school parents to use the gym and kids can do their basketball thing and get their energies out. In my stepdaughter’s case, the kids use a local skating rink on Thursdays. The parents get to know each other that way too.

Crosswalk: Wrapping up with a final question about public schools. How can parents deal with the fear of random shootings?

Sheble: That’s a big concern. What do you do? I drive by the local high school and I see the police cars out there and I know there are metal detectors and I’m thinking, “Oh my word!” Of course, it’s like that at Busch Gardens, too. It’s everywhere today, especially since 9/11. But it’s a scary, scary thing. It’s at times such as this that we remind ourselves that God is in control. He knows each of His children and places a hedge of protection around them. Surely He is trustworthy and your children are in His hands at all times, whether it be at home, in a private school, or in public school.

Jan Sheble is a retired administrator of several Christian schools in Maryland. She earned her doctorate from the University of Maryland in Curriculum and Instruction. Her other published books are “The Oil of Joy for Mourning” and “Widowhood 101”. She and her husband Jerry Waggoner live in Wesley Chapel, Florida.