I was just blessed to have gone to the Midwest Homeschooling Convention. It was great. It was huge. It was overwhelming and budget straining. And I will happily go again next year!
The highs of conventions
-You can get out and see other families walking the same path.
-You get to meet many families that look similar to yours. Our kids loved the idea that we weren’t the biggest family. It’s a little thing but the kids giggled about that the whole time.
-If you have a budget and a list you can pick up learning material at a “convention discount”! and no shipping costs!
-You can get new ideas, tips, encouragement.
-We were able to fit in two homeschooling field trips on top of the convention and all it’s great opportunities!
The lows of conventions
-You need to spend money to get there, stay there, and for all food and drink. That can add up quick.
-Workshops can be wonderful or depressing chose wisely. A workshop that tells you there is no such thing as autism it is purely a parenting and spiritual problem will leave you feeling miserable and upset, even if you know that’s not true. (NOTE: this convention DID NOT have that workshop, it was a couple of years ago that I heard that little gem.)
-It is easy with salespeople pushing from all sides to buy things you did not intend to buy or go over your budget.
-It is easy to begin comparing…. Spunky Homeschooler did a workshop “The ART of homeschooling” and called comparing a contentment stealer, SO RIGHT! My daughter Flower could only be at the convention 30 minutes before she started to melt down and run away. I instantly began thinking ohhh we look so mean or bad at parenting with this screaming, arching child in my arms. Then the Lord whispered STOP THAT. I took a deep breath. I focused on my child and family and let everyone else think what they will. My baby needed to get out of there for her own good and so we left early.
I love conventions. For me it is a chance to get new ideas. To see, touch and look through new curriculum choices. A chance to make new friends. It strengthens my determination to homeschool.
For those that speak at conferences… 10 years ago I knew that there had to be something better but I didn’t know what. I went to a conference that had less that 100 people. My first workshop was intro: to homeschooling. I went in doubting and wondering. I came a strong advocate for my child’s education and a homeschooling convert. Your words, your enthusiasm, and your willingness to work hard putting together these talks really makes a difference. THANK YOU!
Uhh……actually, Heather. There was a speaker who said that AGAIN this year. Also included were Bi-Polar, ADHD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, etc. Grrrrr. Obviously, this person has never parented a child with a “disorder”. My husband and I sat through 1 session and it just didn’t sit well. I did take away the idea that my perhaps I am focusing a bit too much on the diagnosis, and not enough on my child as a whole person. Other than that, I loved the conference, too, and can’t wait till next year.
Sigh… I understand the basic ideas under language like that.
1. your parenting can encourage a normal child to become more emotional, aggressive or acting out in a non socially acceptable manner. Though I have to say I have yet to meet a homeschooling family that parents that poorly.
2.I agree that we need to focus on the child and their strengths and abilities more than a disorder or symptom. BUT you would not disregard a chronic illness by not medicating yourself appropriately. Why should we disregard a child’s chronic learning issue? Doing that can lead to frustration, lack or desire to learn, and quitting. Diagnosis should be used as a lense to see your child’s abilities clearly not give them an excuse to quit.
Sorry you had to sit through that. I hope the rest of the convention went well.
God bless
Heather Laurie