Every parent wants great things for his children. Yet all around, we see young people without purpose or vision, addicted to shallow amusements, and with no passion for worthy goals. Learn how to motivate your children to greatness. They were born for such a time as this.

Eighty percent of the children labeled "Learning Disabled" in school are boys. That's why wise parents understand that the confinement, boredom, and regimentation of school should be avoided if boys are to thrive. The key to understanding and cooperating with the drives God has built into boys is recognizing that boyhood is preparation for the roles of family protector, provider, and leader that naturally and biblically fall upon men. We must understand that we are not raising boys but training future men if we are to make boyhood the exciting and profitable season of life that God intended it to be.

One of the perks of homeschooling is the opportunity families have to build relationships. Learning to live and learn together, 24-7, provides a wonderful environment where relationships are cultivated. It isn't always easy, but the benefits are well worth the effort! Heather and Colene provide an honest look at how to thrive in the beautiful but sometimes messy world of living and learning together.

X-Boxes, Game-Cubes, the INTERNET, Facebook, and iPhones have changed how we live, have fun, and interact. Children quietly glued to game monitors for hours have replaced laughter and creativity. They beg to play, whine when they can't, and even lie about the time they've spent on "the gadget." Teens and pre-teens spend most of their waking hours texting, chatting on Facebook, or 'tweeting' on Twitter. Today's latest-breaking technology becomes tomorrow's obsession, demanding more time, attention, and sacrifices. Technology has become a powerful tool, and everyone is doing it...but maybe you feel like you've lost control in your home. Does the chill down your spine tell you that something is terribly wrong? Do you feel like a beast has invaded your home, but you don't know how to handle it? If so, listen to Todd talk about the timely topic of taming the TECHNO-BEAST!

It's quiet but deadly. It can poison a whole family when no one knows it's there. It dampens affection, kills communication, and leaves hearts wounded and hurting. It is the number one reason marriages break up, and parents lose their children's hearts. The Bible describes it as a "root" that springs up and defiles many. In this talk, Rick Boyer explains how the poison of bitterness damages relationships and how the grace of God can put them back together again. Peace and love in your home are not just a dream.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of parenting? Life is certainly a challenge for parents, especially those who accept the added responsibility of home education. But there are ways to make life easier and more productive, and this workshop discusses some of those. Marilyn Boyer, mother of fourteen children and a veteran home educator with more than forty years of experience shares her techniques for accomplishing a mammoth amount of housework while giving her children a superior education at the same time.

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/2023-speaker-handouts/

Discover how we can reach the heart of our boys and inspire them to embrace this training phase of their lives as they pursue living a life of purpose that, like the knights of old, courageously puts the needs of others before their own. The world needs more kind, courageous, and bold men who will lead their families well and make an impact in their world both now and for the rest of their lives. It starts with igniting the imagination, honoring their love for adventure, and casting a vision for the training process.

Failure to launch is a national phenomenon. The final goal is to launch our child into their future is not an event; it is a long process that starts from the early years. Come and learn principles and practical ideas that will help prepare you and your child for that transference into successful, independent adulthood.

Identity – how children define themselves – is extremely important. How they see themselves controls their behavior. Therefore, identity influences their academics, relationships, future, hopes, and so much more. Why is it complex today? Why are so many children confused? Learn how to parent so children will have a healthy identity and believe the most important identities of all.

You may not crack open a book, work through a curriculum, or call it school, but it's your job to train your children. Join me as we look at the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of training our children. Now don't worry, I won't make you feel guilty or give you a forty-six-point outline, but I promise to tell it straight and to encourage you in the best job there is: fathering.

All children are smart and probably smarter than they realize. Knowing they’re smart empowers them to believe in their todays and tomorrows, to expect some learning to be easy, and to study when something isn’t. The eight intelligences are relevant for our teaching and reteaching. In addition to learning, they’re also relevant to our children’s spiritual growth, behavior, relationships, and career choice. Asking “How am I smart?” instead of “Am I smart?” can change everything!

A mommy-to-mommy challenge about priorities in your home school. Sonya shares six ways to reach your child’s heart—taken from Elizabeth’s example in Luke 1—and four obstacles that can keep us from reaching the heart. This workshop puts the emphasis on the things that are not seen. It reminds parents of the importance of focusing on our children’s hearts and gives practical ways to do that: being available and approachable, being Spirit-led, giving affirming words, setting aside our own agendas, pointing out how God is at work, and encouraging our children to take God at His Word.

Dyscalculia often causes parents and children alike to want to run for the hills anytime math is even mentioned. This session will clarify what causes dyscalculia, how it presents in the learning environment, and key strategies to navigate learning and apply math skills successfully. If your child struggles with quantitative reasoning, math concepts, calculation, and math fact automaticity, this session will empower you with effective strategies to help your struggling student learn (and maybe even like) math.

Are you frustrated because your children aren’t changing in ways you want them to? Learn subtle attitudes and habits that make change difficult so you can decrease their effects. Then learn strategies, relevant Scripture, and a change process that will work!

Protecting children on social media is a critical issue in today’s world, where online platforms are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. With the rise of cyberbullying, online predators, selling of drugs laced with Fentanyl, and exposure to inappropriate content, it is essential to establish new approaches and guidelines to safeguard kids on social media. In this speech, Connie will discuss what parents can do to protect their child from the dangers of social media.

Adam Andrews recounts the difficulties of his scholastic journey. Fathers will find something to relate to in the testimony of this homeschool veteran. What do our children need most from their fathers? How can we be sure to give it to them? Most importantly, how do we fix things when we do it wrong? Come hear about the hope that waits for us all on the other side of failure. You will find balm for your wounds, peace for your mind, and rest for your soul – and all in a most unlikely place.

Technical difficulties - same speaker- same topic from Washington convention--- Johnny is a constant motion machine. Tom cries in frustration over minor matters. Susie forgets what she has just learned. According to Dr. Sydney Walker, children tend to “act how they feel.” This fascinating workshop provides you with clues to your child’s brain/body chemistry. William Crook, MD, has found that over 85% of children who suffer with Sensory Processing Disorders or attention or mood disorders when older have experienced multiple ear infections as a young child. Untreated, these children often go on to have many hidden food allergies and asthma. It is easy to correct these imbalances at home and dramatically affect your child’s learning day. The testimonies that we receive from parents across the United States who are using these simple remedies with their children are amazing!

How do we raise children in a culture of chaos when confusion and strife surround us? And how do we remain steadfast while adjusting along the way? While the culture is in chaos, you can tune out the turmoil and provide stability in your home. As the culture shifts, God’s Word provides the answers we need to navigate this season, knowing we are equipped to lead our family. Whether you are new to homeschooling or a veteran, you can raise godly children who will stand strong through it all.

If you had only one hour in which to give your student a complete education, could you do it? If you accepted the challenge, what lesson would you teach? Adam Andrews argues that a complete and profound education can be acquired in one lesson – and then sets out to prove this audacious claim in an eye-opening, inspiring presentation. Adam first demonstrates the lesson using an example from his own subject, Literature. He then shows you how to teach it in your own area of interest. Adam gives examples of the lesson from every subject in the curriculum and invites the audience to contribute their own ideas. The power of this lesson may revolutionize the way you teach on a daily basis – and it only takes an hour!

Meeke explores the best way to grow Christian children who are able to resist the strong pull of the culture. Learn a new term: Culture-proof. Learn how to do it and what results you should expect. The loss of generations of Christian kids should be enough to force the question, "How do we help them resist?"

Like you, when we began our homeschooling journey we asked ourselves, “Will we be able to teach them all they need to know for success?” There were so many options and subjects to teach them. They were loaned to us to us knowing almost NOTHING and we were expected to fill up their noggins and prepare them for adulthood. Little did we know then that homeschooling turned out to be not only what we taught them…but what THEY taught US. Never would we have believed how God would use homeschooling to teach us what he needed us to know as parents, homeschoolers, and as His children. So join me for an intimate time of sharing and laughing at the lessons my children taught me. My hope is that you’ll start to view your homeschool day less as a time to teach and muscle through... but as a gift.

We're all set. We've got the curriculum, the co-op, and the extra-curricular activities. The days shape up nicely, when they do shape up nicely... but what about Christ? Have we neglected the primary reason for homeschooling? In this presentation, Meeke and Wil encourage parents to check the heartbeat of their homeschool. The end of homeschooling isn't homeschooling or even education!

Many well-intentioned parents make harmful mistakes as they relate to their children. These mistakes often contribute to bitterness in relationships and in their children. Over time, they can result in children rejecting their parents, their faith and their values. Learn to avoid these pitfalls.

Frustrated by the fact that what works for your homeschooling friends doesn't seem to work for you or what works for one of your children doesn't work for all your children? For the first time ever discover the FOUR homeschool Temperaments. You'll discover if you're a Falcon, Owl, Swan, or Sand Piper and how to homeschool in light of those traits. As you listen, you'll laugh, nod your head in agreement and find yourself saying, "That finally makes sense." Todd will discuss tips for each temperament, how to teach your children who may NOT be your temperament, and what types of homeschool curriculum works best for your temperament. This will be fun as you discover your homeschool temperament!!

From rolling eyes to slamming doors, sometimes a kid's attitude is simply frustrating! If you're at your wits' end or just looking for practical ways to get to the HEART of the matter, this session is for you. As Proverbs 4 says, your attitude determines your life's path.

Are you inspired by Charlotte Mason's philosophy, but overwhelmed with how to serve an educational feast to your children? This session shares how applying the principles of minimalism to your weekly lessons will result in a rich education, a joyful home atmosphere, and the abundant life you were created for. We will walk you through narrowing down your priorities, eliminating clutter in your homeschool, and focusing on quality over quantity.

An in-depth look at the neuro-physiological differences between boys and girls- how they hear differently, see differently, handle stress and pain differently-- as well as the implications for our teaching of both boys and girls. (This is an expansion on Andrew's "Boys" talk.) With added research, together with humor and practical stories, this presentation will delight and enlighten parents of boys, girls, or both!

Managing sibling squabbles and rivalry can feel like a part-time job, and a stressful one at that. In the homeschool environment, where siblings are not just sharing dinner together, but most of their waking hours, the struggle can be long. All that time together can bring out the worst in these sibling interactions ... or it can be a catalyst for healthy growing relationships. Come to this down to earth, solutions oriented session to explore options that will be right for your family.

SmartPhones, X-Boxes, Playstations, online gaming... Facebook, InstaGram, SnapChat, TikTok, and all the other social media platforms- They have changed the way we live, have fun, and interact. Children silently glued to screens for hours have replaced laughter and creativity in our homes. They beg to play, whine when they can't, and even lie about the time they've spent on "the gadget". Teens, pre-teens, and even their parents, spend many of their waking hours tweeting, texting, chatting, FaceTiming, and "snapping." Today's latest-breaking technology becomes tomorrow's obsession, demanding more time, attention, and ever-increasing distraction. Technology has become a powerful tool and 'everyone is doing it'..but maybe you feel like you've lost control in your own home. Does the chill down your spine tell you that something is terribly wrong? Do you feel like a beast has invaded your home, but you don't know how to handle it? If so, then join me as we talk together about the timely topic of taming the TECHNO-BEAST!

One day a terrible parent in your state may do something criminal to a child-and the media may push the narrative that because the child was homeschooled, more restrictions should be placed on homeschooling families. This session will analyze some real-life situations where this has actually happened and equip you to give a compassionate, commonsense answer when family, friends, coworkers, or the local media assert that the problem is not enough homeschool regulations.

Do your kids "forget" to do their chores? Is their schoolwork just a box that gets sloppily checked off? Do you feel like they'll never take initiative? If you're looking for the magic pill to help your kids get off the couch and work hard, this isn't the session for you. But if you want practical ways to kick laziness to the curb, be sure to join us as we learn how to encourage and nurture our kids to be disciplined and responsible workers

Homeschool principal? Teacher? Provider? What is a homeschool dad supposed to do? Homeschooling allows you to become the dad you always wanted to be. You have both responsibilities and opportunities to impact your children significantly for Christ through homeschooling if you embrace them. Let's talk about where you are greatly needed and where you can have great fun as a homeschool dad.

Are you trying to homeschool, keep up with your house, fit in your job, and find time for yourself? How do you juggle it all when you are doing practically three full-time jobs at once? If you are working (or considering how feasible it might be), this session is for you. Hear from Rebecca- author, speaker, CEO of an international company, and homeschool mom of five-- as she shares her strategies and tips. Yes, this is possible... but it is going to take determination, a fresh perspective, and a whole lot of God. Bring coffee and a notebook-- we have a lot to talk about!

The high school years are a prime opportunity to equip your teens with skills they will need for future success. If your teen is headed to college, a career, or the military, they will benefit from study and time management skills. This session provides parents and teens with ideas to incorporate these skills into high school coursework and lists resources to help cultivate these essential skills.

Are you a frustrated homeschooling parent? Many homeschooling parents struggle with stress, anger, and discouragement. Kathie discusses several causes of frustration, and then tells how to deal with them. She also stresses the importance of dealing with anger, and having the right spirit in dealing with our children.

At some time in our future, is it imaginable that freedom of speech and freedom of religion could be suppressed where we live? History would indicate so. How do we prepare ourselves and our families for such a contingency? What curriculum might best prepare us for persecution, even martyrdom? How do we cultivate necessary virtues without sparking burdensome fears? This may not be a pleasant subject to contemplate, but perhaps it will be an important one.

This message is for anyone who is homeschooling a child that just doesn't seem to be "into" it. Books aren't really their thing, and the idea of writing is deplorable. Rebecca will introduce you to her spunky 12-year-old son, Malakai, who doesn't fit the mold of a book learner. You'll be laughing through the stories of these amazing kids who stretch us beyond what we thought was possible and walk away with some practical tips of how to understand the child you have and tweak your expectations to line up with the gift that God gave you.

In the last few decades, childhood has largely moved inside. With so many great opportunities that vie for our time, it's easy to consider outside play as frivolous. In this session, Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, reveals how "just" playing outside offers a myriad of developmental benefits to your child and how these benefits will extend through adulthood. Do less and yet gain more with nature immersion!

Every family has a culture ... a way of living. And every family is defined by it. Are your family's mission and culture breathing life into your days? Being intentional and purposeful is the best way to make sure your mission aligns with your worldview. You'll leave this session armed with a list of practical ideas and an encouraged heart!

Children’s motivation improves when you teach relevant character qualities and help children believe three specific things. In addition, learn the four roles you must play and comebacks to use when children are frustrated. You’ll love the practical ideas!

All children need to know they’re smart. This empowers them to have hope and believe in their future. When all 8 smarts are awakened and strengthened, children will know they can learn and will successfully study when something isn’t easy. When parents teach to all 8 and use them for review, motivation and learning improve.

“I won’t do it!” my child screamed after being asked to sit down and start the day’s math assignment. “You will too!” I resolutely stated back. “I will not!” And thereupon ensued an all-out fight of wills. The strong-willed mother determined to win over the strong-willed child. This workshop is designed to give you helpful tips in dealing with a strong-willed child, how to nurture as well as homeschool this child, how to stay sane in the midst of anguish, and give you hope for the future. Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine whose goal is to glorify God and strengthen homeschoolers in their commitment to keep their children Home Where They Belong.

Your children have five legitimate needs that drive their wants, choices, actions, and attitudes. (You have the same five needs.) When their needs aren’t met in healthy ways, they can be anxious, depressed, apathetic, competitive, and more. When God meets their needs and you partner well with Him, your children will have less stress and depression and more contentment and joy. You’ll be refreshed by Dr. Kathy’s practical problem-solving approach to behavior, learning, and motivation problems.

Technology’s Influence Over Beliefs and Behaviors – Dr. Kathy Koch Using technology can cause children (and you) to believe five lies about how the world works. These lies are the root of some of your biggest concerns about children’s behavior (e.g., complaining, pride, anger, depression, selfish decision making). Understanding why they believe the lies and what the lies cause will empower you to make practical changes even as they keep using technology. You’ll find hope in this message.

When you are trying to inspire and motivate children, there are two forces often exerted – positive and negative reinforcement. In this session, Israel explains the importance of affirmation as a way to inspire and motivate your reluctant child. Drawing from practical and Biblical examples, this session will help you to keep those important relational connections as you are attempting to impart knowledge.

So here we are. Most of us would have chosen something different than what we’ve recently had to face. Who would have signed up for the last two years of crazy chaos? If I believe in a sovereign God and believe that He has a role for me to play in His plan, then how do I lean into that? What is my role in this cultural moment? Let’s look at some similarly chaotic cultural moments in Scripture and see what we can learn from those who have gone before.

Wouldn’t it be great that instead of being overwhelmed by your wild child’s spirit, you could embrace all that he is? In this session, we will share our personal experience and knowledge in hopes of encouraging and providing practical strategies that will meet the needs of your child while keeping your sanity.

Parents struggle with knowing how to balance their child’s use of technology and screen-time. We want our children to know how to use technology, but we struggle with knowing how much screen-time is harmful and addictive. This session will help give you courage and competence to navigate these difficult issues.

First, know that you’re not alone. Secondly, “that” child is a blessing. You may think, “If only you knew.” Well, I do. I have one. What comes to mind when you hear “that child?” Do you smile, or scowl? Do you see yourself? Do you struggle to like that child? Is it difficult? Impossible? That child is a world changer, and God has a plan. All the energy, questions, and strength are God-given for His glory. Come and learn strategies to love, embrace, and train that child.

Whether you are a parent seeking to motivate your reluctant learner, or you desire to break through your own limitations, you will make more progress if you learn to listen better and ask the right questions (the right way!). Learn how you can help yourself and others recognize hidden assumptions and overcome obstacles through learning the art of asking questions.

Despite our best laid plans, sometimes life is hard and messy, and there is no perfect homeschool family. Many homeschool families deal with hard things, such as special needs, marital struggles, adoption, illness, loss of a child, mental illness, eating disorders and addiction. All of these things can be very isolating and paralyzing for parents. If you have ever felt alone in your hard times, while everyone else looks perfect, this session is for you. In this workshop, we explore the things that no one talks about, and provide encouragement and resources.

“I won’t do it!” my child screamed after being asked to start the day’s math work. “You will too!” I resolutely stated back. “I will not!” Thereupon ensued a fight of wills - a strong-willed mother vs. a strong-willed child. You’ll hear helpful tips for dealing with and nurturing the strong-willed child, staying sane in the midst of anguish, and having hope for the future.

If you find yourself weighed down by stress or constantly in battle against anxiety, there is a release. When Christ said, “Take no thought!” He meant it. Build a bird-feeder. Stop and smell the lilies. Sing “The wise man built his house upon the rock”. Jesus gave us some great principles to meditate on and thus manage the stress and anxiety in our lives.

Intentionally teaching character traits and habits, while encouraging emotional growth will help your child thrive, overcome, and adapt in what is often a turbulent world. Combining the latest neuroscience research with biblical truth, this workshop will equip parents to confidently nurture their child’s emotional well-being and character development.

For too many kids, their only outlet is … an outlet. Are your kids bored and grouchy unless they are plugged in to the Internet or a video game? What ever happened to catching frogs, picking dandelions, climbing trees, and lying in the grass to watch clouds? There is an outdoor world waiting to be discovered. Every child should explore the wonders of God’s creation because of three truths that can be found in one of the most exciting classrooms, the one outside.

Imagine what it feels like to watch your daughter continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of her life, because she knows she has endless potential and a great responsibility. She matures with a desire to be a voice for good and a contributor to making our world a better place. She seems fearless, yet uses great wisdom. She is courageous, yet humble. She is KIND. You watch her as she exercises true empathy for those in need and although she holds herself to high standards, she never places herself above others. She has been taught by example of what a true lady is and she looks forward to one day being that example to her family. She is truly a lady. Parents, this Master Class will help you understand how to create the example your daughter needs to become this lady. You don’t want to miss this. She needs you.

Relaxing and enjoying your children is an important part of homeschooling. Focusing on conversation with your kids is an important key to that. Conversation is also an essential tool in providing a rich educational experience. In the traditional classroom environment, students have an average of eight to ten individual interactions with their teacher each day. In your homeschool, these verbal interactions can number in the hundreds and greatly enhance the quality of education your children receive. Zan shares how the simple and free tool of conversation can help your children replace boredom with a motivation to learn. Explore strategies to minimize conflict in your home and promote camaraderie, enthusiasm, and joy in learning. Conversation is the key! Conversation IS core curriculum.

In this presentation you can glean strategies to help your children develop healthy Internet and technology habits to help keep them safe online. Portions of a short Q and A session will be included in the recording.

This is Dara'a personal story of raising five boys with various needs. Let her encourage you that God has a purpose for your child just like he/she is and that God did not make a mistake! She covers how to accept each child and their individual challenges and how to help them reach their potential. Dara and Tracy raised two boys with genius IQs and homeschooled them successfully! One of these children also had ADHD, dyslexia, and Asperger’s syndrome. The other three boys were of average intelligence and successfully graduated in spite of dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD and ADHD. Each is becoming the man that God created him to be. They have good self-esteem and are excited about life and love and follow God. What more could a parent ask for?

This is encouragement and strategies to help re-ignite your student’s love of learning? There are many factors that impact a child’s motivation level. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Krisa equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child’s God-given gift of curiosity.

Emotions that go from 0 to 100 in no time at all, little problems that turn into full blown meltdowns, tantrums that leave their mark on the rest of the day—these behaviors and others are stressful to all involved and have derailed many a school day. In this recording, discover practical ideas for teaching your child self-regulation, explore ways to prepare your homeschool environment for success, and consider strategies to head-off difficult behaviors. You’ll leave with the resources you need to come alongside and calm your student.

Note: This is Part 1 of 2, the original session (Traditions, Transitions & Transparency: Lasting Success for the Family) slated for this time slot was replaced with this 2-part session. Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage and family. Steve and Megan teach from their book, “The Eight Rules Of Communication For Successful Marriages” and take a fun-loving look at marriage and friendship. They offer practical advice in a guilt free environment making the teaching real and applicable to all in attendance.

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage and family. Steve and Megan teach from their book, “The Eight Rules Of Communication For Successful Marriages” and take a fun-loving look at marriage and friendship. They offer practical advice in a guilt free environment making the teaching real and applicable to all in attendance.

Twenty-six hundred years ago, three teenagers stood in defiance to a powerful king. In our world of entertainment-minded youth, are we doing enough to prepare them for the possibility of challenging days ahead? Chuck encourages parents and teens to ‘Know What You Believe’, ‘Know What’s Coming’, and ‘Know What You Will Do’ so that if the day should come, we will stand and not bow

If you’re wondering if your child is behind, or are asking, “Does this count as school?” or “Are we doing enough?”, you may be fighting a public-school mindset. It’s quite normal to ask these questions, but rest assured, you are on a completely different path! This workshop will help you to navigate your child’s educational goals and break free of government limitations. Instead, you’ll focus on the whole person and learn to see the big picture!

If we homeschool simply to achieve high academic marks, we are squandering the opportunity to influence our children for Christ. Character healthy leaders are those children who have learned to elevate virtues above feelings. If we spend our homeschooling hours simply on academics and activities, we may win the praise of man, but we risk losing the hearts of our children. In our few short years with our children, we must focus on the first things first, and character is always the first thing! In this session, Megan will challenge you to use every opportunity to teach your children to serve God by loving others and to love others by faithfully serving God.

In recent years, homeschooling has become a responsibility placed solely on mothers. The Scriptures, however, give a very different recipe for success in training up children in the ways of God. In this workshop, fathers will learn not only the vision that God has for them in the area of homeschooling, but also some great ideas for being involved in their greatest calling. Dads are essential to their children’s education.

Do you have to prod your children from assignment to assignment? Do they find homeschooling to be boring or a burden? If education isn’t fun and exciting, then something needs to change. Come and learn how to turn your child from a lazy student to one of initiative, hard work, and dedication.

Want your teen to take more initiative around the house? Want to reduce the “drama” level in the family? Want to get your pre-teens, teens, and young adults excited about character healthy living? Join “America’s Parenting Doctor,” Dr. Steve Scheibner as he reveals seven practical steps to raising the behavior bar in your home. This “character matters” session will begin the process of moving your young people from ordinary to extraordinary.

How do we respond when our children doubt what we've taught them? What do we do when they start speaking in a way that contradicts the Scriptures? How a parent responds to such circumstances will either lead to a solution or be part of the problem. Doubts and struggles can be scary, but God wants to use them to make us stronger. This breakout will prepare parents on how to respond, should the event ever take place.

Do you long for a life that has more joyful peaks than crash-and-burn joyless valleys? Do you want to be joyous but wonder where Joy fits into your days full of busyness? This session will provide a biblical road map to the joy-filled, God-honoring life that we all long to live. By uncovering the definition of Joy, the eternal Source of Joy, and our part in snatching and holding on to that Joy, you'll discover a wellspring of Joy to refresh you in even the "stinkiest" of times! When we overflow with Biblical Joy, we can become joy-bearers who bring encouragement and hope into the lives of everyone in our sphere of influence.

The Scripture says that we are to be aware of the devil’s schemes. Friendship with the World is Enmity towards God. Here we identify seven traps of the enemy that most Christian parents are involved in unawares.

Fear-based parenting drives us to make bad decisions despite the best of intentions. We choose curricula based on what our friends are doing, not what our kids need, because we're scared they'll miss something. We micromanage our teens because we're afraid they'll make mistakes. We stress and worry and can't sleep at night. Why do we fall so easily into the what-ifs? God has not given us a spirit of fear. This eye-opening session will point you to the real source of security and hope and free you to do what is best for your children no matter what anyone else is doing. Step up and take courage!

When do you get started, and what do you do first? We've had precocious readers and late bloomers, but every one of them has benefited from being homeschooled from the beginning. Find out how to know when each child is ready for formal academics, how to get started, and what homeschooling looks like for young children. Learn to relax and introduce your little ones to the joy of learning in a gentle and realistic way that will prepare them to succeed academically.

Do you want to make your homeschool journey memorable in the lives of your children? Do you want them to look back with fondness on their growing up years and their educational experience? Jackie learned early on in her homeschool journey that she needed to keep homeschooling fun not only for her rambunctious children but also for her own sanity. She shares her continuing experiences and adventures with her children. Jackie will talk about different ways to get the most out of the few precious years we have to educate our children from preschool to graduation. Get ideas on how to take the drudgery out of homeschooling for both you and your children.

The turmoil of the tween/preteen years between nine and thirteen usually catches parents by surprise. Diligent students become addled and distracted. Kids raised in church start questioning the existence of God. Sweet children seem to climb on an emotional roller-coaster—and then invite you to join them. Don't get a ticket for that ride! Instead, learn to resist the temptation to lose it yourself and to shepherd our children through this challenging age with this funny and all-too-real workshop—and lay a foundation to make the teen years great!

Learn from pediatrician Dr. Roger Smith how stress and trauma affect a child's ability to learn and perform. Research on stress has yielded a better understanding of the biochemical and neurologic responses we see as "behavior." Parents can tap into this research to better guide their children through life's stresses. This session will review both the science and the social impact of emotions in the context of a biblical worldview. Dr. Smith will transform scientific gobbledygook into layman's language with tangible applications.

When you get to the end of your homeschooling, and your child leaves home, things get real. At that point, the only thing you'll have is relationship: their relationship with God and their relationship with you. Learn about encouraging research that highlights the critical importance of relationships in the spiritual life of our children, find out how to rebuild strained relationships, and get practical help to build the kind of relationship that will last through adulthood. Hal & Melanie's six oldest children have grown up and left home, and are their best friends.

Corey will walk families through some of the current issues in the broader culture and discusses them in comparison with a Biblical Sexual Ethic. We'll also address how to lead your families through these confusing conversations: What is being said in our culture – and how to respond; What does God's Word say; and How do we live yet remain true to a biblical worldview

So many parents ask, "Why doesn't my son enjoy reading? I want him to love it!" In this session, we'll look at ways to help your boys read better, enjoy reading more, and find joy in stories and in research. What's more, we'll talk about ways to help your son over his hurdles with writing assignments. Melanie homeschooled all six of her boys from the beginning, and all of them eventually loved to read and won awards for their writing, too.

How do you teach a young man to keep his way pure when the red-light district is riding around in his shirt pocket – or his friend's? How can you help a boy think about the future when all he wants to do is game all day? Media addiction and porn are derailing young men at a rate that is hard to even believe. Learn how to teach your sons a healthy, biblical attitude toward entertainment and sexuality. Prepare them to make it a matter of honor to practice self-control, do what's right, and have healthy relationships with girls. Get them in the fight because there are no bystanders in this battle, and we don't want our sons to lose. The stakes are too high.

This workshop will provide parents with ways to talk about sex and sexuality with their children so that they will be prepared to make choices that reflect a Biblical Sexual Ethic. -Learn how to "go there." - Gain strength knowing you are not alone in wondering and stressing over this "age-appropriate" question - Discover creative ways to be intentional without a lot of stress - See the grave importance of being early versus too late to these conversations—the world wants to be first — I want you to be.

Presently there is a big identity crisis among males regarding what a man is. There is no clear transition from childhood to manhood, and the culture has defined men simplistically. As a result, many fathers are relationally isolated and emotionally disconnected leaving them at a loss for how to lead boys into manhood. This workshop will address the culture’s attack on boys/males, the impact of biology on boys/males learning style, mentoring and educational principles to help boys develop into honorable men and concrete action steps moms and dads can take in the developmental process of boys.

All children are created equal. Girls and Boys have equal importance and significance but there are certain responsibilities that we need to train our boys and girls differently. It’s not archaic or about inequality, it’s Biblical parenting and our children need us to prepare them for the future. Join Todd as he tackles this sticky topic and combines laughter, truth, and practicality together for a vital topic in today’s wacky and purple world.

If you have more than one child, you know first-hand that they come to us uniquely “crafted” by our Heavenly Father--no two are alike! This fact is especially challenging when homeschooling and trying to plan what to teach. This session will: • Address the imperative given to us in Proverbs 22:6 to “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent]” (Amplified Bible), • Include several “personality” test options to help you understand your children and how they learn best, and • Provide teaching/learning strategies to help you utilize this information to inform your homeschooling efforts.

The world of work is changing, and that change is being driven by technology. In this session you will hear about those changes and how to best prepare today's youth for tomorrow's workplace. We will discuss the changing landscape of needed workplace skills and technological developments that are reshaping the way America and the World works.

Time must be budgeted just like money. We must determine the difference between the fixed – what we must do, and the discretionary – what we would like to do and set our priorities. This workshop will be filled with practical tips and encouragement for everyday living as a homeschool family. Areas covered include understanding your calling, relationships, schooling, meals, household clutter and cleaning, and general household management. Attendees will leave with practical and applicable tips