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.

Do you feel like you just don’t have what you need to fulfill God’s purpose for your life as a home educator? Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes to be a Godly parent? Do you feel like you lack patience, understanding, kindness, or joy? Where we lack, God’s divine power provides. In this workshop, we see God’s power and grace given in order to do all that He asks of us and reflect Him to our children and to the world. His grace gives us all that we need to abound in every good work—even homeschooling!

Your teen is changing, and they need you to stay the course through the most critical years of your homeschooling journey? While they struggle to figure out life, your steadiness helps them navigate the adulting process with less stress and great confidence. When you understand how to navigate the high school years, they can be the most rewarding years of your parenting journey.

Discover practical strategies for teaching your child HOW to learn. This workshop will give you the tools to guide your child as they gradually transition to learning independently. Whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers you can decrease burnout, develop successful students, and bring peace into your home once again. Listen and experience a renewed vision for your homeschool.

What does it mean to be a godly father who leads his family faithfully? Hear these true stories about homeschool dads who have grappled with this question: • An NFL Super Bowl Champion who came to Christ after realizing the world's definition of success was hollow. • An Orthodox Jew who found Christ after reading the Book of Matthew, even at the price of being shunned by everyone he knew. • An Army Lieutenant Colonel who was at the Pentagon on 9/11 when a Boeing 757 crashed yards away from him, engulfing his body in flames, sending him on an unforgettable journey of faith and hope.

Have you made a list of rules only to get discouraged when your teen doesn't follow them? Do you feel your attempts to create close relationships feel one-sided? Rest assured, mom, you aren't alone. While every family needs rules, limits, and boundaries to help protect your child and keep order, they cannot come at the expense of your relationship. It's not the rules that cause our children to rebel. Often something is missing. Connie Albers, the mother of five adult children, shares how to create rules, build relationships, and reduce rebellion.

“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 there 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 homeschool this child, how to stay sane in the midst of anguish, and to give you hope for the future. Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.

Joe Tyler discusses the key issues we face as dads striving to instill a Christ-centered vision of purity in our sons. He addresses the cultural pressures on our young men and shares practical advice to counter the culture. Because of the frank and sensitive nature of this discussion, we request that only men attend.

Motivation is often an area of struggle in family life. Children tend to either be unmotivated, creating stress for parents or “over-motivated” earning the label of “strong-willed.” Come learn about the internal motivation system in your child’s heart and gain tools for guiding that motivation in the right direction. If you’re frustrated or discouraged with the typical reward and punishment strategies, you’ll find this heart- based, practical session to be inspiring and hopeful. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Turansky-Miller_1.pdf

Today’s kids are being exposed to pornography early (think 8 to 11 years old) — and our pop culture tells them it’s a healthy outlet for sexuality. Families will learn how to create a safe online space and encourage ongoing conversations that empower kids to not only look away from sexualized media, but also to confront our sex-obsessed culture. You can teach your kids to train their hearts and minds to be skillful, daring, and brave.

Many families have a strong emphasis on obedience, but God instructs children to learn to obey and honor. Come take a closer look at the biblical concept of honor. Honor is a relationship term that can change the culture in a home, teaching kids to consider the needs of others and take initiative to go beyond what’s expected. Learn how honor changes a person and how to help your child rise to new levels of maturity. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Turansky-Miller_5.pdf

Often our aim for our children’s development is to see them “above-average” or “better than most.” But, when the Truth of our super-conquering Jesus Christ is infused into the training of our children, nothing short of “children that change the world” will do. In this session, Eric Ludy will pass along both a vision and a practical platform for beginning to think and parent with even greater boldness and purpose. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Ludy_Eric_3.pdf

Grumbling, sarcasm, huffing, sighing, slouching, rolling eyes,… yes we all see that stuff all too often but what’s the best way to address these subtle (or not so subtle) forms of resistance? Children can have bad attitudes about instructions, authority, schoolwork, and even about the family life itself. We know that treating the symptoms is not enough. Come join us for a heart-based look at attitudes and some practical tools for helping kids change from the inside out. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Turansky-Miller_2.pdf

Parents have tough questions. “What apps are safe? How can I know if my kids see bad stuff on Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media? Can I be notified if someone e-mails or texts my teen a sexual picture or video? Help me protect the whole device!” If you’re looking for answers to solve today’s tech dilemmas, this session is for you

All children struggle, some academically, some socially, and many in their relationships at home. Although each child is unique and special, God has answers to the challenges they face. Come take a closer look at how God changes people and learn to apply the same principles to the parent-child relationship. You will be encouraged and equipped as you understand the roadmap to change and the practical tools necessary. Find courage and hope as these heart-based strategies resonate with your heart. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Turansky-Miller_3.pdf

Do you suspect your child is struggling with ADD? Maybe it’s confirmed, or maybe not but you just know. Join us and receive hope and encouragement through hands on practical, biblical tools to help your child thrive. You’ll learn to raise the character threshold enabling your child to do the right thing. Receive an Action Plan Worksheet with steps to develop a unique plan for your child. You’ll leave this session with the hope and encourage you desperately need. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Turansky-Miller_4.pdf