As you read this, I will be sitting in the general session for my fifth homeschool conference. Even though we have fallen in a good homeschool rhythm over the course of this last school year, being at the conference is as much a breath of fresh air to me as it was the first year I went.
Though a lot of veteran homeschooling moms no longer feel the need to go to conferences, I envision myself continuing to go to our conference every year, and I always recommend to my new homeschooling friends to attend a conference. I thought today I would share a few of the benefits I've gained from attending over the years, in an effort to encourage YOU to check out a homeschool conference! There are alot of good reasons to go!
To Educate Yourself About Homeschooling
While homeschooling doesn't have to be complicated, there are certainly many facets of homeschooling that can be considered. Especially for first-time homeschooling parents, a conference can give you a general idea of what it looks like to homeschool on a daily basis, things you need to do legally to homeschool, and other basics. Even if you are a homeschool veteran, there is still so much to learn about different areas of homeschooling, and how to do it well. Homeschooling is a serious endeavor, and the more you can educate yourself about different methods and options, the more you can gather ideas on how to do it well, the better!
For Encouragement As A Christian Parent
The Christian homeschool conference I go to often covers more than just homeschool topics, because homeschooling as Christian isn't just about academics or the actual bookwork - it's about creating solid relationships within your family, a friendly learning environment at home, training your kids in character and leader, and ultimately glorifying the Lord with your efforts. Every year when I attend our conference, I find myself wishing that all my Christian friends, homeschooled or not, could come and benefit from the encouragement in Christian parenting! It's life-giving to be around so many other families who all love the Lord and are trying to honor Him as they raise their children to love Jesus too. If you are not a homeschooler, I think you would still get a ton of encouragement as a parent from attending a homeschool conference.
You Can Often Get Deals On Your Curriculum Resources
On a more practical note, if you have your eye on a certain curriculum, and you know a vendor for that curriculum will be at a certain homeschool conference, I highly recommend you go check out their booth. Most curriculum companies offer great discounts for attendees of homeschool conferences, and buying from them at the hall also encourages them to return and help fund the conference for the next year. Especially if you are looking at an expensive curriculum (hello, Rightstart Math), the cost of the conference, in addition to all the other conference benefits, can be well worth the discount.
You Can Look At Possible Curricula In Person
Whenever I am talking to a new homeschool friend about choosing curriculum, I recommend that they get their hands on an actual physical copy of the curriculum before they decide. There is something about looking through a book in person that lets you know whether the style is something that will add confusion or calm to your days. If you know someone who owns a certain curriculum you are considering, you can ask them if you can look through it, but the best place to look through a bunch of curriculum at once is at a homeschool conference. I've ruled certain curricula out after looking through books at a conference, and I've also discovered gems that I may not have considered if I hadn't been browsing the conference aisles. The curriculum hall is a great place to gather ideas. Bonus tip: Make a budget beforehand though, because it can be easy to buy TOO much in the curriculum hall!
It's An Opportunity To Make Connections With Other Homeschoolers
When Wyatt was about to enter kindergarten, I knew no one else in my real life who was homeschooling (though I had a few friends a couple years behind me who were planning on it). As a new homeschool mom, I was worried about making friends who were my son's age, and finding other moms who were already homeschooling to bounce ideas off of. I went to the homeschool conference alone, and sat near another young-looking mom with a baby in a stroller. We struck up a conversation and ended up making friends with another first-time mom. The three of us spent the whole day together, and we got together after the conference for playdates. Though life took us different directions and I am no longer in contact with those friends, I am so thankful for the chance to meet other young homeschool moms and gain encouragement and camaraderie with them when I needed it. If you don't know any fellow homeschoolers, I highly recommend checking out a conference, and don't be shy to sit next to another mom that looks like she is alone and strike up a conversation. You never know how those connections may develop.
To Gather Strength For Your Homeschool Journey
Homeschooling, while incredibly worthwhile, can also be a scary and possibly lonely endeavor. Most homeschool moms don't choose homeschooling because it's the easiest option, but because they have a vision for their child's education that is worth the effort it is going to take. Homeschooling conferences can be greatly strengthening for getting started, and refreshing for those who find themselves discouraged. I often find that homeschool conferences remind me of WHY I'm homeschooling, which is something that I can lose sight of during the school year if I'm not careful. Hearing speakers who have gone through their own homeschooling journeys, laughing at our common struggles, and gaining tips for how to overcome the hard days are all a great encouragement, and help me keep my eye on the prize - which is raising my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, raising them to be leaders and independent thinkers, raising them to stand for what God says is right even when culture says it's wrong. All of that is infinitely more important than just the nuts and bolts of getting through the curriculum (though there is encouragement for that too), and homeschool conferences are bolstering, a challenge and an encouragement, for all my hopes and goals for my children that go beyond academics.
Have you ever been to a homeschool conference?
I’ve never been to one, but would love to once we are back stateside!
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