When the Watkinses began homeschooling in 1986, it was a brand-new idea for most families, and convincing grandparents that you weren’t ruining their grandchildren was a major issue. Now, with eight children, four children-in-love, 15 grandchildren, both sets of grandparents still living, and 20+ years of homeschooling behind them, the Watkinses have some unique insights about helping grandparents to love homeschooling just as much as you do

I Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” As homeschooling parents, how can we prepare our children for adulthood? And how can we prepare our hearts (through prayer and effective communication) to release our kids into a new season? There’s life after graduation– with college, careers, romance, weddings, and next-generation purpose. Let’s aim and launch our arrows, to hit God’s mark.

Linda Lacour Hobar points to recent world history, where there are those who have planted “good seed” and those that have planted “bad.” Linda Lacour Hobar sheds light on The Great Awakening, The Enlightenment, Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, and Billy Graham. These stories will examine a handful of 19th-20th century figures and the wake of their influence on our world today

Remember Campbell's "Alphabet Soup"? Children have been making words on their plates for many years while in the soup the letters just floated around in all different directions and never formed a word that made sense. This is similar to what it's like when families decide to educate at home, there are floating pieces all around, but most still do not know how to put it all together to spell "homeschool" clearly. Where should one start? What is it supposed to look like? Why is everything so jumbled up and not making sense? This workshop is designed to help sort it all out for a successful first day of homeschool.

Let Go or I’ll Break Your Leg: Resolving Conflicts and Restoring Relationships Sibling rivalry, deceitfulness, manipulation, insecurity, fear, anger, parental favoritism, and selfishness are just a few of the topics that will be addressed as we go back in time and learn how one of the most unlikely children, teenager, and adults could become the recipient of God’s greatest blessing. Like Jacob of the OT, in order to receive this blessing, families need to first learn some important lessons about themselves; they must come face-to-face with who they really are. Without this knowledge, spiritual maturity and relational stability are impossible. Once learned, the next step is to embrace a truth that leads to our greatest conflict but results in the most fulfilling blessing.

While there is no sure-fire formula to guarantee that any child will turn out to be a success, there are timeless and proven principles that, when implemented, will lay a powerful foundation upon which they can experience significant accomplishments. This workshop brings to light real help in properly training our children.

No matter what kind of family you were raised in, you can establish a godly legacy of leadership for the next generation because of the blood of Jesus Christ. The decisions you make day-by-day don’t just affect you; they affect your kids, and their kids, and all who they will influence. Learn to disciple your children to disciple others. From God’s Word, learn to see from God’s perspective, with a focus on eternity, the Cross, and the glory of God. You’re building a legacy, brick-by-brick, for the future!

What is ‘real science’? Jonathan discusses the distinction between ‘origins science’ which seeks to explain what happened in the past and ‘operational science’ which is testable, repeatable, and is the source of things like cell phones and antibiotics. He shows how what we see from operational science—things we observe today—support the Bible’s statements about origins and an intelligent Designer—the God of the Bible. This includes startling evidence for a globe-covering Flood that laid down rock layers, formed fossils, and carved canyons.

Child-training methodologies are important. The permissive methods, the behavior-modification methods, and the externalistic, recipe-driven methods have all borne bad fruit over the years. But what is there for parents who desire authentic, heart-deep, God-loving kids? Based on the experience of generations of godly child-rearing, and the wisdom of God’s Word, Kevin Swanson carves out a biblical balance to this difficult subject in this presentation.

Why do most scientists believe in evolution? Is it because the science behind evolution is so strong? In this eye-opening presentation, and using their very own data, Gary ‘busts’ the myths behind evolutionary assumptions and shows how the evidence fits the biblical account better. But why is this an important debate for Christians? It’s because our children will be taught evolution as ‘fact’ when they undertake higher education. The consequences are having a damaging effect on the church as our youth walk away from their faith. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can actually empower our children if we can teach them how to think straight in this crooked world.

What is it about home education that has profoundly reenergized education and produced such outstanding academic results? Incredibly, the average Homeschool 8th grader without teacher-credentialed parents tests 4 grade levels above the national average on nationally standardized tests. And it is not because we have taken a public school system complete with desks and bolted them to the floor of our living rooms. In this visionary, ground-breaking presentation on the Homeschool vision, Kevin presents the basic elements that make up an outstanding homeschooling experience for your child. This message will give the first-time homeschooler confidence and vision and will provide encouragement and a reality check for the experienced home educator.

A panel of dads discusses what your wife and homeschool really need from you.

An Awesome Year-long Unit Study- Imagine learning about the exciting lives of missionaries in a way that incorporates history, geography, science and language. By using some of the many well-written missionary biographies, you'll learn how to make your own year-long missions unit study that covers a full school year of learning K-8,(you will need your own math program). This fun approach will engage your child, cover a multitude academic subjects, while enriching your child's faith through a study of the lives of people who devoted themselves to teaching the world about Christ.

Gary is arguably the world’s leading Christian authority in this area. His book, Alien Intrusion: UFOs and the Evolution Connection, is the only creation book to be an Amazon top 50 best-seller. He points out that life can only arise from one of two mechanisms; either it was created (as the Bible says) or it evolved (as evolutionists claim). Countless numbers, including most Christians, believe in alien life due to popular culture and evolutionism. So what about life on other planets? What about all the UFO sightings and experiences with alleged aliens that people (including some Christians) claim to have? Are these real events, and are they really aliens? Gary’s investigations have taken him all over the world to uncover a sinister agenda by spiritual forces that have deceived millions. And yes, the experiences can be real, but they are not really aliens. As much as it might surprise many, Gary will demonstrate from Scripture that, even in this incomprehensively massive universe, the earth and mankind are unique, and that the Bible does not allow for intelligent life on other planets. Prepare to have your thinking challenged.

Many non-believers rail against God because they witness so much death and suffering in the world, and this is one of the main reasons why people reject the God of the Bible. However, if they are atheists, what logical basis do they have for determining what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ anyway? Sadly, many have left their Christian faith because they have been taught that death and struggle is an essential part of ‘life’, and so this must be the way that God created. However, if we understand and take the Bible’s history at face value, the death and suffering we see in the world should actually serve as a reminder that something is wrong with this fallen world. When we look at the world through the lens of the Scripture, we find that indeed God has done something about all the death and suffering in the world. You will be immensely encouraged by this message.

We can tell when something shows evidence of having a human designer. So when things in nature show those same characteristics—only on a much more complex level—it makes sense to attribute that to a Designer as well. Jonathan discusses several evidences of magnificent design in nature, including DNA, molecular machines, the complexity of the cell, and more. He also demolishes arguments of ‘bad design’.

You diligently home educate your children, but many voices (including some within the homeschool community) tell you why and how you should be doing it. Many of these voices are disconcerting, not building unity with the King of your home-based discipleship efforts. This session will explore the interrelationships between the basic reasons for homeschooling, the freedom we have in Christ, our attitudes, our choices, and our practices as we teach our children. It will tackle the expectations and messages of the world that may still have deep roots in our and others’ home-education paradigms. May the Spirit free us at last, and help us spread the message of liberty in Christ.

Start Strong: You may think you’re just beginning, but others have gone before you. Learn from the lessons of those who have gone before. Enjoy God’s sense of humor when it comes to the last 25 years. Stay Strong: “Be strong in the Lord.” Human strength fails and fades, but His strength will help you stay strong. Have a plan to defend your freedom and hope that you’ll never use it. Finish Strong: The finish line is not in your hands, it is in your children’s children and generations to come. It’s not a stroll in the park – it’s a marathon. Endure “in the strength of His might” so that you can finish strong.

The best and most effective opportunity to win large numbers of Americans to Christ is found in our children. Based on the research of George Barna, Michael Farris presents homeschooling as the very best method to accomplish this. Church leaders are challenged to wake up to the spiritual damage occurring in their church’s children via public education. Parents are encouraged to make sure that the spiritual opportunity presented by homeschooling is not squandered.

Michael Farris, one of the outstanding constitutional lawyers of our time, discusses the importance of knowing the content and purpose of the founding documents of our country, and how that can impact our interpretation of issues today.

Do you want to forgive, but the feelings just won’t go away? It’s easy to say forgive and forget, but my memory just doesn’t work that way. This session shows the dangers of bitterness and unforgiveness, giving practical Biblical helps to achieve genuine forgiveness.

The Family Discipleship Plan is a practical guide for the comprehensive discipleship of the whole family. Effective discipleship is intentional and touches every aspect of our lives. At the heart of the Family Discipleship Plan is a non- condemning “checklist” that leads parents to be deliberate about the discipleship “plan” they have in place for their children. It is a great family project that offers ownership to each family member in their personal walk with Christ.

Blessed are the flexible - for they shall not break! Have you been homeschooling through some challenging seasons of life lately? There are seasons of upheaval - moving, and perhaps health challenges. It's easy to wonder if we can successfully homeschool throughout periods of change. Join Heidi as she talks about how to navigate through the seasons of life and find joy and freedom in homeschooling along the way. You can do it!

Dr. Ray explores scripture, the state of government-run education, the origins of public schools, research on homeschooling, and personal experience to answer the question, “Who Should Be Educating Your Children?” He boldly challenges every Christian parent to face the idea that perhaps home-based education is the “default setting” that God has designed for the education of children. Dr. Ray, one of the world’s leading homeschool researchers and homeschooling father of eight children, calls and warns parents to not be a stumbling block in their children’s lives (Matthew 18:6).

Read description carefully: The “Perfect Family” is in the other seminar! Bickering, holiness, selfishness, and sacrifice. Being iron, extending grace and striving after loving relationships in the home. Hear the Jacobson family speak openly about the joy and challenge of walking together in unity.

Whether you realize it or not, the decision to homeschool changes your identity. No longer “Mommy,” but “Mommy and Teacher,” establishing loving authority and setting realistic expectations in the homeschool are vital for long-term success. Learn to set attainable goals and model godly leadership as you live and school together.

Building and preserving trust between you and your family is the highest priority for homeschool dads.

We all left the traditional school because we didn’t like the way they did school, yet there is a lot of pressure to do school the way they do school. And it’s killing us. If you’ve been thinking there has to be a better way… there is, and it’s not called boarding school. Join Todd as he re-examines the reasons behind what we do and why we do it and burns the bridge between their way and the better way.

Some do dating. Some do courtship. Some do dating and call it courtship. It's not about what you call it. It's about getting God's best in finding a mate and keeping your purity. This session discusses practical ideas for protecting hearts and purity while feelings and hormones are screaming.

In all of world history, up until a century ago, teenagers were considered adults. There was no such thing as the childhood phase we call "adolescence."? This workshop will examine modern culture and its influence on the slow maturing of today's young people, to help parents identify those things they do to keep their children irresponsible and self-absorbed, consequently, unprepared for adulthood. Also, drawing from history, Reb presents a plan for unlocking children's full potential for early maturity.

An in-depth look at four parenting styles: Dictatorial, Detached, Enmeshed, and Indulgent, will reveal some of the root causes of childhood apathy, depression and rebellion. This insightful session will help parents see the effects of their particular style of parenting, and how it may be cultivating four types of foolishness in children. Teens will also benefit from these insights as they learn that their parent's failures are not an excuse for irresponsible behavior. Biblical and present-day examples of each of these styles will be illustrated, and the consequences and steps needed to break these patterns of harmful behavior will be addressed.

Learn how to teach proper manners in the home using songs, stories, role play, kind discussion and a lot of laughs. Etiquette skills take time to form and perfect, so it's NEVER TOO EARLY TO START! Can you imagine mealtime as a time of peace, tranquility and warm discussion? Can you imagine your child saying, "Well, thanks for thinking about it, Mom,"? when you just told your child, "No, you can't go to the swimming pool today."? You will be so grateful you attended this workshop and will leave with confidence and excitement to implement these ideas into your home. Bring your children along. We have a special lesson for them, too.

As children mature they ask three foundational questions of their fathers. The answers the father demonstrates to these questions determine whether he will raise a rebel or a mighty warrior for the cause of Christ. (1)Are you worthy for me to follow? (2)Are you worthy to have my heart? (3) If I give you my heart, will you lead me? This talk will focus on practical steps a father (and mother) can take to win and keep the heart of their sons and daughters. We will also cover valuable leadership lessons for the father to apply in his home.

In three years of earthly ministry, Jesus equipped 12 ordinary men to change the world—and they did it. What can we learn from the life of Christ about how to disciple our children to be a blessing to all nations of the earth?

Explore the tremendous spiritual power of "four generations" and discover how to cultivate a hunger for life-long godly faithfulness.

Is the aim of home education simply to get a diploma or is there something else that we should target as our goal? Conscientious moms fear we�re not teaching our children everything they should know to be prepared to get a good job. We fear our boys may not be on grade level and our girls may not find a godly husband. We fear we may not be able to afford a good college. Yet in spite of all these fears, we don�t even recognize the biggest gap in home schooling. In this thought-provoking discussion about the main purpose of education, learn what God calls His people to do and how to educate our children by faith rather than by fear.

Lures abound to sidetrack homeschooling parents. One is the fast-growing nationwide promise of “free,” state-run, “home” school programs to “help” you educate your children. Dr. Ray will challenge you to consider the paramount importance of who should be in authority over what is taught to the minds and hearts of children. Related to tax-funded programs, there are (1) subtle and negative practical consequences of enrolling your children in them, (2) serious problems from the perspective of a liberty-loving republic such as the United States, and (3) contradictions to a biblical worldview that demands parents and private associations be the main educators of children. Dr. Ray is convinced this is one of the most urgent issues with which homeschoolers should grapple during the next several years.

Although our nation has not been marched off into captivity in chains like Babylon, we have been taken spiritually captive by our culture. We have been subtly chained to the world's values that imprison us. The values of the world unknowingly sneak up on us through TV, on the internet, and while reading the newspaper and magazines. The saturation of our families by the torrential onslaught of the media in our sensually driven surroundings has captivated both us and our children. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news." Isa. 52:7 God has appointed our families to bring the news of deliverance and lead others out of captivity. Renew your vision on how to instruct your children when it comes to media discernment, establishing values that reflect God's timeless standards, and dispensing with the lies and myths that our culture perpetrates concerning body image, sex, pornography, and relationships. Take practical steps to relinquish the chains that have not only bound our families, but our churches as well.

In the wake of serious degeneration in the fields of art and literature, Christians must exercise careful discernment in these areas. Without giving way to extra-biblical legalism, Kevin Swanson will present several biblical principles by which you can discern the best of art, literature and movies for your family’s enjoyment and education. He will challenge you to look at every area of life through the eyeglasses of the Word of God.

Fathers and husbands, it is time to love and lead - now. Love your wife like Christ loves the church. Nurture and admonish your children but do not provoke them. Lead your family in God’s exciting will. Is all of this possible? Yes. But what can you do? Mothers and wives, it is time to love your husband as God has declared and to lead your children. Brian and Betsy will help and encourage you with scripture, their experiences, and what they have learned during 20 years of marriage and the ongoing raising of eight children.

Delight yourself in the Lord! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Are there biblical and theological roots to delight-directed study? Does everyone, including children, really have a God given appitite for learning? Is delight-directed study compatible with biblical discipline? Is it really our educational duty to allow our children to become bored? Can we harness every child's natural curiosity and use it to pull that student into various kinds of useful learning? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And Yes!

What if it were truly possible to train a child to refuse evil and choose good? What more important thing could a parent do for his child?! Is such a thing even possible? Yes! How? By culturing in one’s child simple appetites for the “best of the best.” The prevailing philosophy of our day that says we should expose a child to lots of good AND evil and let him choose is wrong! Such a child will, most likely, choose evil. The land of Canaan was a “land flowing with milk and honey.” A “butter and honey” diet would be a diet even better than “milk and honey.” This workshop explains and illustrates the “butter and honey diet” parents need to feed their children to train them to refuse evil and choose good. It also teaches how to decrease wrong appetites and increase right appetites.

Mike shares the biblical vision for courtship, its value over traditional dating, plus what he has learned through the experience of his three oldest daughters’ courtships and marriages.

Delights are often caught rather than taught. They are fueled by the power of companionship. In fact, the greatest works of scholarship, literature, art, music, science or civic leadership have been born among small groups of fellow enthusiasts who were devoted to some area of shared interest. Each group was more like a club than a class. Each group was an age-integrated and led by the power of the best examples of its most delighted members. It only takes a few such companions,(and those have often been siblings!), to change the course of history.

Here are 15 Biblical principles to “turn around” rebellious youth. Many testimonies from around the world attest to the effectiveness of the truths expounded in this message. Parents of younger children say the message has helped them understand all the key elements of parenting so as to prevent problems with their children. Some parents say they listen to the message every few weeks to help them stay "on track" as a parent. Still other parents have found the message to be the "lifeline" to stop a descent into destruction and save the life and future of their rebellious teen.

Home schooling requires families to be closer than ever, and this inevitably means conflict. Learn how you as a parent can use and model God’s peacemaking principles of confession, confrontation, and forgiveness to resolve conflicts, preserve relationships, and keep your family and school, as well as all your relationships running smoothly.

Socializing children means nothing more (and nothing less!) than teaching them how to love others as they love themselves-even in the midst of conflict. Learn how peacemaking can be a key to your children experiencing success in their marriages, churches, careers, and most of all, in their Christian witness.

Learn the nuts and bolts of teaching your children how to resolve their conflicts biblically, recognize root causes of their conflicts, along with sincerely confessing their wrongs, confronting others constructively, and forgiving others as God has forgiven them.

Many home educators are intimidated by the common myth that children who are taught at home are at a disadvantage in social development. Rick Boyer draws on Scripture, scientific research and the experience of thousands of home-teaching families to show that the opposite is true. To prepare children for the real world, they need to be in the real world: family, church, and community - not locked away from society in age-segregated schools. This session will help you respond to the constant challenge: "What about socialization?"

Blessings are in store for those who resolve conflict in a way that honors God. Come and learn powerful peacemaking principles you can use to prevent disputes and resolve differences with brothers and sisters, parents, friends, and future workers or supervisors.

Many home educators see the father's job as either that of substitute teacher standing in for Mom occasionally, or school janitor - doing housework to give Mom more time in the classroom. But the father's role is much more than that. Rick Boyer explains the seven functions of a father in Scripture and shows how they apply in the home teaching family to make the whole operation come alive.

Don't know where to begin to reduce the conflict and strife in your home and your everyday life? Learn practical steps on how a home school mom can bring the reality of peacemaking to her heart and all her relationships.