Homeschool Conventions

I realize that most homeschool conventions are five to six months away, but the time is now to begin your convention planning. I talk to many homeschool moms who do not or cannot attend conventions because they cannot find a sitter, their husband has to work, they don’t have the money, they don’t know anyone else who is going, etc. If you start planning now there are very few reasons why you could not go to the convention.

We usually ask grandparents several months ahead of time to watch our kids for the convention. This gives them time to prepare and allows them to make room in their busy schedules. We add the cost of the convention into our homeschool budget. Each month we put aside a certain amount of money that goes towards registration fees, gas, and hotel expenses. We take a cooler and food with us. Last year we only ate dinner out while we were at the convention. This saved us a significant amount of money, because usually the food in the convention hall is overpriced. Bunk with friends in a hotel room to save money. I meet many moms who are staying with three other homeschoolers to help lower the cost of the room.

I think it is important to make every effort to attend your state convention.

First it keeps you active in the homeschool community. There are usually updates on changes to homeschooling laws in your state as well as information on how to become a more politically active homeschooler. The exhibit hall rocks! Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it is a great way to look over different curriculum and get new ideas. I leave encouraged and renewed. This is especially true if you do not have a lot of homeschooling friends. It is fun to meet and hang out with people who are homeschooling, and may have similar joys and struggles. I love listening to the different speakers, getting new ideas, and gaining perspective. It is fun to see the many different faces of homeschooling. I love to people watch, and I always enjoy seeing the many different types of homeschoolers. It is just plain fun. I almost always see long lost friends and meet new ones. One year I ran into someone who knew me when I only had toddlers and had no intention of homeschooling. It is fun to catch up and reconnect.

For those of you who have never been to a homeschool convention, I urge you to get online and find out more information regarding your state convention. You will have a wonderful time and it is well worth the money you spend to attend.

Homeschooling conventions work for us!

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AUTHOR | Toni

Toni, one of the original 3 Moms, is a military wife and stay-at-home(schooling) mom of six, soon to be seven great kids. On her personal blog, The Happy Housewife, she writes about saving money, healthy eating, recycling, homeschooling, life as a mom, and crafting.

Posted by Toni on Nov 12th, 2008 | Filed Under Homeschooling