The sound of screams shattered the stillness of the night. It was 8:30 in the evening and Beth and her husband Tom were sitting down to relax from their busy day to watch one of their favorite television shows.

Having been parents for a number of years, they quickly looked at each other as if to say, “Are you going to get this, or do you want me to handle it?” Beth slowly got up and told Tom she would handle it. She then quickly went to her eight-year old’s room to settle him down from a nightmare. Returning to her husband, Beth said, “Being a parent is definitely a full-time job, isn’t it?” In addition to being a full-time parent to two children, Beth is also a full-time volunteer at her children’s school.

Where Should They Attend?

When Tom and Beth first had children, their focus was on feedings, diaper changing, and watching their children learn to walk and talk. What to do about school was the farthest thing from their minds. Time quickly flew by and the decision was suddenly before them. Should they send their kids to public school, private school, or should they home school? In the beginning they chose to send their kids to public school but took some precautions to be sure things went well. They got to know the principal and their children’s teachers well. Then Beth became an active volunteer so she could stay in touch with the classroom. In addition, they became involved by attending school board meetings so they could monitor what was happening at the school.

Beth’s involvement in her children’s school became like a full-time job. This dedication was essential in order to ensure that her children had the best education and were not indoctrinated with someone else’s moral agenda. Beth took advantage of every opportunity to tell teachers she was praying for them. In addition she started a Moms-in-Touch ministry. Moms-in-Touch is a group of moms who get together regularly (usually weekly) to pray for their kids and for other students. This ministry has been effective in more ways than one. Christian students are encouraged knowing that people, including their parents, are praying for them. It also creates the perfect environment for parents of like mind to gather and get to know each other.

Beth has been consistent in attending school board meetings. The meetings can be long and tedious, but when an important item comes up on the agenda, it is important for Christian parents to have their say. Beth, never known for being shy and always willing to speak up, has addressed the school board a number of times on important topics, including creationism and curriculum issues.

A Matter of Involvement

Beth’s husband is in sales and was recently transferred to Southern California, a move that complicated their school plans. They decided to employ the same strategy as before and enroll their kids in public school with the idea that Beth could volunteer and get involved. Unfortunately they had a lot of problems with the school and decided to pull their kids out. They enrolled their children in a private Christian school. Beth found that volunteering was just as essential there. Because conflicts can arise just as easily in private schools, active parental involvement is vital.

Most parents—especially moms—know parenting is a full-time job filled with highs and lows. An essential aspect of parenting is living one’s faith on a full-time basis. Beth knows that if she does not live her faith, her children might not understand or embrace it. Parenting and being involved at her children’s school is a job Beth would not trade for anything. When her son Jeff experienced conflict at school, he talked to his mom and then handled the situation by talking to the teacher and the principal. It was at that point Beth knew she was doing her job well. Her job as a parent was not only to protect her kids, but teach them the godly way to stand up for themselves and do the right thing. With that satisfaction, Beth wakes up each day knowing she is performing the most important job in the world. |L

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

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December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best