The Pros and Cons of attending Homeschool Conventions

Should homeschooling families attend homeschool conventions or not?

Is it worth the cost, time and effort?

Should the children tag along?

These are questions which have popped up in many minds. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or you’ve been homeschooling for years, you must have thought about going to a homeschool convention at one time or another. To make your decision easier for you, I have weighed the pros and cons of attending homeschool conventions:

Pros:

1. You get to learn a lot

Homeschool conventions bring together a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, with different opinions and homeschooling experiences. During the convention, you get to learn about new curriculums, about tried and tested teaching methods, about like-minded people’s take on homeschooling solutions and most importantly, you get to listen to speakers. Homeschool conventions host speakers that shed light on various homeschooling concerns, they address issues and talk about homeschooling trends and fads. Most homeschooling mothers usually do their homework and research on the speakers present at the conventions.

2. Conventions renew your excitement

Conventions remind you of why you chose to homeschool in the first place and that you’re not alone in this journey. You see thousands of families and just being surrounded by homeschoolers strengthens your homeschooling muscles for the remaining year. Bringing children along is always a good idea. Usually, at conventions, there are lots of activities lined up for children of all ages and this lets the children socialize and understand that there is a whole world of homeschooling children like them out there. Not only does one get inspiration, one can act as a source of inspiration to new homeschooling families.

3. You interact with the homeschooling community

You get to see the bigger homeschooling picture. You get a feeling of belonging and you get to connect and make friends. If you’re a social homeschooling mom like I am, you can download the Homeschool Panda application and search for nearby homeschoolers. The application allows you to hunt down homeschooling families in your area and connect with them. You might just end up going to a homeschooling convention together!

4. You can shop till you drop!

A major advantage of attending a homeschool convention is that you get to see a massive variety of curriculum options for the children. Not just that, the convention acts as a shopping mall for homeschoolers. Imagine that- all the homeschool essentials and appliances in one place! You get to meet vendors and talk to them. To me, that’s the best part because vendors have the knowledge and they help you choose better options. I give my children a limited budget to purchase goodies with. This teaches them the importance of money and they hold the stuff they themselves buy very close to their hearts.

5. Traveling

Traveling acts as both; a pro and a con. The advantage is, that you get to plan a refreshing, educative trip and it allows you to boost your homeschool morale, meet people, buy homeschool equipment and enjoy some time off from the regular homeschooling schedule. The children enjoy the hotel stay, the pool, the activities and the difference of atmosphere.

Cons:

1. Traveling

One has to keep in mind the cost associated with traveling, the schedule of the spouse and the family and one has to know if the children get homesick, car sick or get other types of sicknesses. Sometimes the children get cranky and their young ages do not allow the parents to travel and explore in peace. If traveling for hours is not an option, you can attend local homeschool conventions nearby.

2. You have to weigh the price

In the end, one has to see their own budget and preferences. Sometimes if the finances are tight, the trip can meddle with the costs needed in the future. If the advantages exceed the disadvantages and if going to the convention is easy on the pocket, you shouldn’t miss having the experience!

3. You can get overwhelmed

The only major downside of attending homeschool conventions is that the amount of information can get overwhelming and instead of getting motivated. One might get doubts about whether he/she is not doing enough or if his/her kids haven’t accomplished as much. Comparisons should never be an option. Just like every child, each homeschooling experience is unique. Each human is born with a talent and all homeschooling moms are super moms. The best way to not get overwhelmed is to do your research beforehand, engage yourself in happy thoughts, allow yourself to shop and if possible, travel with friends.

At the end of the day, you should attend at least one homeschool convention to decide if it suits you or not, for yourself. It is certainly worth the time and effort!