Mentoring Monday : 5 Reasons to attend a Homeschool Conference

HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE BENEFITS

No matter where you live, there is sure to be a homeschool conference or convention within driving distance. Here are just a few reasons a homeschool conference could benefit your family.

Community

There is nothing like quality time spent with fellow homeschool families, reuniting with old friends and making new ones. With the large amount of families that attend conferences, it is the perfect time to swap tips, share insights on what is working and what's not working or help a new homeschool family with questions. You will also have the opportunity to get to know your local homeschool group leaders and co-ops. Your children will also have fun making new friends!

(You can read the rest of this artical @http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/986905/should-you-attend-a-homeschool-conference )

5 Reasons to Attend a Homeschooling Conference

1. It is wise to consider alternatives to the public system, so you can make an educated decision. 

If you don't have school aged children, this is a great opportunity to consider alternatives to sending them to public or private school.  Then, if you still choose to do either, at least you will have considered all the options and made what you believe to be the best choice. You won't simply be following tradition, or acting on false ideas about homeschooling.

2. It's a great place to connect with other homeschooling families.

We all have something to learn, and it can be great to meet other families to see what they are doing and find creative solutions you may not have considered.  Likewise, you might be the one who lends a helping hand, or a listening ear to a family you meet.  You don't know what effect your conversations will have, and you could make friendships that last a lifetime!  

3. You can find encouragement in your Christian walk.

Our homeschooling conference brings in great Christian speakers, and I always come away from the conference having grown in my faith.  I have listened to talks on creation, understanding how you're demonstrating Christianity to the world, and overall been challenged to have a more biblical worldview.  I truly believe any Christian would find encouragement at our local homeschooling conference, and I am sure that is true for many others. For many parents, homeschooling is part of having a biblical worldview, and any parent will benefit by being inspired to be more involved in the life of their child.

4. To support homeschooling in your area.

It just might be a conversation you have with the family who is considering homeschooling, that shows them it can be done, and inspires them to try!  I've heard numerous stories about people who began homeschooling because of a conference they went to.  Also, by attending the conference you add yourself to the number of people who show that homeschooling is important to them, which sends an important message to politicians and bureaucrats.

5. To remember the reasons why you homeschool.

Sometimes the challenges can overwhelm the bigger picture, and it's good to step back and remember your convictions.  Attending a conference is a great way to get a yearly charge-up and a fresh perspective as you start a new year of homeschooling!  You will meet great people who are also excited, be able to check out new curriculum, and hear inspiring speakers. 

( You can read this artical @http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.com/2013/04/5-reasons-to-attend-homeschooling.html )