In this talk I share stories from my own homeschool upbringing and the indelible lessons I unknowingly learned through the experience. In a profound way they informed my own journey as a homeschool parent. I hope these lessons from the perspective of a homeschool graduate will encourage homeschoolers from all backgrounds and remind them that they are uniquely positioned and equipped by God to teach their children in ways that reach deeper than the pages of any textbook, lesson plan, routine, or test.

Is behaving like a gentleman an outdated and antiquated idea? Join Dr. Steve in a lively discussion of how to teach our young men to be masculine in a society that seeks to squeeze them into a feminine mold. Becoming a gentleman starts at home. Discover ways to cultivate a culture of masculinity without raising men who are brutes!

• 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 unwraps seven practical steps to help raise the behavior bar in your home. While most of our sessions highlight the positive training we can bring into our homes, Battling with Behavior addresses the unavoidable behavior issues that trip us up and can derail the best of days.

Karen has graduated three out of four of her children. They did not all follow the typical post high school path, but have been successful as adults- not necessarily worldly success, but as disciples of Christ. Come hear their unique story of running away from homeschooling in kindergarten, to raising adults that are living for Jesus!

Join veteran homeschooler and mother of eight, Megan Scheibner, as she discusses the importance of thoughtfully traveling the road of change and maturity with your children. Discover the significance of traditions in building security, the necessity of relational transitions for building trust, and the power of transparency to break down communication barriers. Homeschooling isn’t just about preparing our children for success. Successfully homeschooling is a ministry training ground for parents and students alike. Come be encouraged as you see how God can use your faithfulness in homeschooling to reach your world for Him.

Our social media doesn’t dictate how our homeschool should look. God does. Learn to take your eyes off internet ideals and onto what God says. Let His Word saturate your mind rather than getting caught up in the false expectations of social media. Find freedom for your family to walk this journey with God leading you!

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this Marriage session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage relationship. Steve and Megan teach from their book The Eight Rules of Communication for Successful Marriages and finish the session with a fun-loving look at marriage and F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P Practical advice in a guilt-free environment makes the teaching real and applicable to all those in attendance.

Want to transition your young adults from simple obedience to mature responsibility? In this session, Dr. Steve shares the important phases teens need to learn to take responsibility for their lives. Watch your kids move from childish irresponsibility to becoming young adults who embrace ownership and initiative as they move up the “Responsibility Tree."

Wait what? That’s right. This journey is about so much more than school. We are raising up our children to be capable human beings in a world that is often chaotic and confusing. Don’t get so caught up in school that you aren’t living life and training for life!

Although it’s easy to get caught up in our role as “MOM,” the greatest gift we can give our families is to show them how much we love fulfilling our primary role as “WIFE.” The Wise Wife session is jam-packed with practical ways to focus on becoming a wife who brings glory to God, delights the heart of her husband, and models a Christian marriage for her children. Being a godly wife is serious business, but you’ll get plenty of time to laugh as Megan shares some “What the Heck!” differences between men and women. Come be challenged and refreshed in your most important role!

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!

As Christians we face a spiritual battle every day of our lives. And homeschooling is no different. Expect battles. Be equipped for them. And know that as you fight them, you are becoming stronger in the Lord each day.

Why do military families choose to homeschool? The last survey completed by Blue Star Families estimates that at least 6% of military families homeschool. This number is continuing to rise post-COVID as more military families choose to homeschool. This session will give an overview of these reasons and examine some of the challenges—and solutions—to homeschooling military-style.

As a pilot for American Airlines, Steve was very close to the events of 9/11. Although initially scheduled to be the First Officer on Flight 11, the first flight to be hijacked on September 11, 2001, Steve was bumped from that flight the night before through an extraordinary set of circumstances. In this session, he tells his deeply moving story of God's providence on that terrible day in our history. Discover why God gave Steve a second chance, and how He now uses Steve to teach parents around the world to parent with purpose and urgency, as he introduces you to The Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent. Intensely practical and Bible based, the Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent is designed to give parents the tools they need and the necessary hope, to build a Christ-centered and character-driven home environment. We’ll never be better as homeschoolers than we are as parents! The Nine Practices are a great way to revitalize parents in their all-important task of parenting. This session will take highlights from the 10- week Parenting Matters small group study. Join Steve as he unwraps the Three Pillars of Parenting, The Motivation Model, The Growth Continuum, The Proactive vs. Reactive Parent, and more.

Let's talk about anger and forgiveness in families. Brant will give us a concrete, practical way to live life with less stress. In our easily offended, cancel-culture society, learn how to replace perpetual frustration and anger with refreshing humility and gratitude. It turns out giving up your "right" to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things you can do. It's a radical, provocative idea: We're not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own "righteous anger" is a myth. It is the number one problem in our society (and maybe in our own homes) today and, as Dallas Willard says, "Christians have not been taught out of it." What if Christians were the most unoffendable people on the planet? Using his humorous and conversational style, Brant's presentation is fun, counter-intuitive, and at the very heart of discipleship! Content is completely applicable to growth for every member of the family and for peace in the home.

Sibling rivalry and squabbling is something we all deal with every day. It can be very frustrating as well as discouraging! It’s important that we teach our children how to respond to conflict God’s way. Don’t let the arguing and strife disrupt your home. Find out what some of the most common causes are, and learn some practical Biblical solutions to the problem.

If you are struggling with postpartum depression or know someone who is, this is for you! Shanda personally experienced postpartum depression with three out of four of her pregnancies, and she shares practical insight and HOPE for those who are also walking this road. Her husband James will join her and offer a man's perspective on supporting and loving your spouse through the sometimes hard season following the birth of a baby. You will leave feeling encouraged and have a better understanding of what postpartum depression is, as well as how to move forward helping yourself or someone you love.

Male leadership has been and continues to be assaulted by the culture. A recent television series ‘Shiny Happy People,’ is just the most recent barrage against male headship in the home. Indeed, men have sinned against God and their families, but that doesn’t remove God’s mandate for men to lead their homes. Is this really God’s mandate? How can men spiritually lead their homes if God has commanded such? Let’s talk about it together.

Gone are the days when people would choose a career and stick with it for life. Many careers these days last less than three years and the majority of 20-year-olds will have four career changes within that decade. In fact, it is likely that the careers they will have, haven’t even been invented yet. How are we supposed to prepare our homeschooled children for a world that we can’t predict? Learn research-backed ways to ensure your homeschooler is prepared for an uncertain future.

How can we faithfully obey God’s command to raise children in the way they should go? Will it work? God’s command means God expects us to do our part as faithfully and diligently as possible with His help by the power of the Holy Spirit. What can we do and should we do to provide the best probable outcome for producing children who love God, love others, and are good citizens of our nation?

If you've ever felt like you don't fit into American church culture... Brant Hansen has been there, too. Join Brant as he explores modern Christianity, the beauty of being different, and the astonishing goodness of God. American church culture can feel designed for extroverted, emotional people -- so what does that mean for the rest of us? The good news is that the Good News is for all. Maybe "spiritual" doesn't always look like we expect. And maybe those of us whose lives aren't full of amazing or emotional spiritual stories, or those of us who struggle to be social, confident, or happy -- "misfits," really -- have a beautiful place in God's kingdom too.

Looking for ways to teach communication in the midst of a busy life? In this talk, Given Hoffman shares practical steps for training your child in communication, no matter what age they are. Be empowered to enjoy your child while growing their ability to communicate.

How do you know if your children have been with Jesus? It was clear that those men who had been discipled by Jesus had been with Him. But how would you know? The discipleship program of Jesus is quite different than that provided by the world. Jesus trains in faith, prayer, and the Word. Are your children in Jesus’ discipleship program?

Literacy in early America was at its highest until the responsibility for education was stolen from parents by the government. When nineteenth-century Massachusetts parents resisted new mandates to hand their children over to government schools, they were met swiftly with threats of violence. The long arm of the law won the battle by physically enforcing attendance, and literacy rates dropped like a rock after that. Where did education begin in the first place, and how did it end up on its downward trajectory of today?

Do you feel like productivity ends after your morning lessons? Are you discouraged with the afternoon slump that hits before dinner? Learn how efficient, intentional scheduling can make all the difference for your family. Be inspired to integrate a simple 15-minute activity into your schedule to defeat the afternoon slump and revive your children's love for learning! "Brisk work and ample leisure and freedom should be the rule of the Home School. The work not done in its own time must be left undone." -Charlotte Mason

You can’t do everything, but did you know that you shouldn’t even try? In this session, you’ll learn how independent learning decreases burn out, helps students excel, and equips them for life. 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!

Through a Biblical worldview lens, Professor Wagner looks at the unalienable right of parents to direct and control the upbringing of their children- especially in regards to their education.

In this session we delve into the concerns about losing ourselves when we dive into the homeschool life. We cover the misconceptions about the personal drawbacks homeschooling would appear to have in regards to our own personal growth and well-being. Learn how you can be a homeschool mom and thrive beyond your imagination, all at the same time!

The world needs real men, real bad. And there are all sorts of conflicting ideas and messages about what a "real man" is (and is not). Is a real man one who hunts, loves sports, grills meat, fixes cars, and climbs mountains? Sure, sometimes. But that's not really the point of being a man and it's not the purpose for which men were made. Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are made to be: "Keepers of the Garden." Protectors and defenders. He calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including "avid indoorsmen" like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have. Delivered with Brant's signature humor, The Men We Need session will explain the essence of masculinity in a fresh, thoughtful, and entertaining way, as Brant takes a look at God's purpose for dads and sons -- giving men, and young men, a concrete vision for masculinity that's energizing, inspiring, and life-giving for everyone around them.

What relevance do Jesus' teachings have for contemporary life? Find clarity on tough questions in the Bible regarding life, marriage, race, gender, materialism and education.

Learn the steps needed to venture into entrepreneurship in your homeschool and also what the long-term benefits are of trying new things and even of failing! This session will be helpful for student or adult entrepreneurs.

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.

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this marriage session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage relationship. Steve and Megan teach from their book The Eight Rules of Communication for Successful Marriages and finish the session with a fun-loving look at marriage and F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P Practical advice in a guilt-free environment makes the teaching real and applicable to all those in attendance.

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 unwraps seven practical steps to help raise the behavior bar in your home. While most of our sessions highlight the positive training we can bring into our homes, Battling with Behavior addresses the unavoidable behavior issues that trip us up and can derail the best of days.

Is behaving like a gentleman an outdated and antiquated idea? Join Steve in a lively discussion of how to teach our young men to be masculine in a society that seeks to squeeze them into a feminine mold. Becoming a gentleman starts at home. Discover ways to cultivate a culture of masculinity without raising men who are brutes!

Second-mile leaders are those counter-intuitive servants of God who earn the right to be heard by developing a consistent love of virtue, a disciplined approach to gratification, and a submissive love for the authority of God’s Word. Male leadership is essential to the success of marriages, families, the church, and society. This session will teach men how to Earn the Right To Be Heard, Prefer Proactivity, Reject Reactivity, Learn To Elevate Virtues Above Feelings, Build Moral Muscle, Seek Forgiveness, and Develop A Finisher’s Attitude. Powerful teaching that produces proactive fruit in our homes.

It’s quiet, but deadly. It can poison a whole family when no one even knows it’s there. It dampens affection, kills communication and leaves hearts wounded and hurting. It is the number one reason why marriages break up and why parents lose the hearts of their children. 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.

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 are things to be avoided if boys are to thrive. The key to understanding and cooperating with the drives God has built into boys is in 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.

Character is a the key that opens the door to successful adult living. It is the first thing wise people examine when evaluating a prospective employee, spouse, or friend. That's why Christ-like character is the MOST important subject you will ever teach your children! Come hear Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 homeschooled kids and learn as she shares how to intentionally teach this most important of all subjects!

Learn from pediatrician, Dr. Roger Smith, how stress and trauma affects 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 child 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 application.

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.

Parenting style MUST SHIFT as your child grows. Developing influence with your child is essential to reducing the struggle for control as he matures. Having raised 4 children to lead productive lives as adults, the Smiths bring real-life stories from their past to illustrate both good and bad approaches to controlling kids in the family. Effectively handling each stage of growth, from toddler to teen, will set the stage for more influence. You will be encouraged, and you will be inspired.

What’s a dad to do? In a busy home, dads often find themselves being dragged along in all the activity involving the children. But can it be another way? The influence of the father can be the thing that helps all the activity stay on course. Dr. Smith will share ways he and others have made significant contributions to the home amid a busy career. This session will not be an attempt to produce guilt about failures but will offer solutions and hope for increasing the influence of dad in the home, resulting in everyone being happier.

One confusing aspect of the life of a believer is the war between their spirit and their flesh. This war and its consequences are personal and will determine a person's effectiveness as a believer. Understanding the biblical basis for this battle is paramount for living a victorious, joyful and faith-filled life. You will discover the power of the Spirit that lives within and cause the Enemy and his minions to tremble. This is also an excellent topic for parents hoping to prepare their teens for this challenge aspect of faith.

Conflict with our children can cause a great gulf between us. Discipline in the home is a must, but it need not create tension between us and our children. The Smiths will share how Biblical discipline is often misapplied, but more importantly, how we can pattern our family discipline after that of our Heavenly Father. Stories of parents doing it well will empower you to make needed adjustments in your approach to discipline.

Every person has a dozen or so defining moments in their life that have the ability to change their future. Many people don’t recognize them or at the very least, don’t allow them to significantly impact their lives like God has intended them to. Chuck shares life examples, biblical lessons, and encouragement on how to recognize and respond to your next defining moment so that you are blessed, the kingdom is advanced, and your future is filled with purpose. God loves using average people to do amazing things because then the glory all goes to Him. Learn how to let your next defining moment propel you into the amazing promises of God.

Communication patterns open, or close, the door to connectedness. Conflict is a normal part of every relationship, yet healthy conflict resolution is not common. Simple principles help us develop this skill that can be learned. This session will review some of the basic communication principles that are foundational to successful conflict resolution.

More than ever before, raising teenagers that care about their faith is hard, especially in a culture that is quickly becoming increasingly hostile toward Christians. Chuck and his wife raised six children in this age of technology, learning to fight back against teen apathy and help their chidren's faith not only survive, but thrive. Chuck shares insight and techniques to equip parents for the challenging teen years.

What will really matter 10 or 50 years from now? Not how well you taught mathematics or sentence diagramming, or whether your laundry was always caught up. Sometimes we forget--or don't even knowhow to delight in our children and make time to enjoy being with them. Come hear Marilyn and catch a vision of how you can reach and hold the heart of your child and build family relationships that will be passed on through generations.

Come hear Marilyn Boyer, who over a span of 37 years homeschooled all 14 of her kids. She started out pretty traditionally, but as time went on, many powerful lessons were learned and she is excited to share those things with you.

Sensory concerns are rising, and they can quickly cause stress on a homeschool day. During this session, Alysia will share her experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with various sensory needs. Learn about the sensory systems, therapy techniques to implement immediately in your homes, daily rhythms that support a sensory diverse learner, and ways to begin to understand your own sensory system and how that impacts how you teach and respond to your children.

Fear can paralyze us in the pursuit of something good. Even avoiding fear does not eliminate it, so we must attack it a different way. In this session, Jan will share practical ways that we can manage the fear that arises and the chaos that accompanies it. A bit of humor will shed light on the fact that some of our fears are imagined, while other real issues escape our notice. Some time-tested tips offered here may help with the fear, even if the chaos remains.

Your house is a disaster, your kids seem out of control, and you wonder how you'll ever make it through another day of school. Your "get up and go" has "gotten up and went." You used to think homeschooling was the best thing since sliced bread, but now you're feeling like burnt toast. Take heart—you're not alone! No one homeschools because it's easy. You do it because you believe it is best. But there are times when you need to be reminded again why it's best. Join Todd as he does just that. You'll laugh and be encouraged in the toughest job you'll ever...love.

Marriage is hard...in fact, it's real hard! Yet when it is right and good, it can withstand anything. It doesn't matter what the economy does, the status of your bank account, the condition of your home or vehicles, or what your children dish out...because when a husband and wife are right, they're unbeatable. On the flip side, when a husband and wife feel distant or apathetic, it only takes the slightest breeze to ruffle a bunch of feathers. The truth is a mediocre marriage sucks the joy right out of life and your homeschool. The economy can swing up, your checking account can be healthy, your home and vehicles can purr like kittens, the kids can behave like angels, and life still...stinks. That's because marriage matters. Join Todd Wilson, The Familyman, for a time of laughter and encouragement as he shares real-life stories, problems, and frustrations, along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can't be beat!

"How long, O LORD? Wilt Thou forget me forever?" This was the cry of David's heart in Psalm 13. Most of us have been there. As a parent, you will probably encounter seasons when life is just too much, and you despair of ever feeling that you're up to the challenge of raising godly children in a hostile world. But God had a solution for David, and He has the same grace available to you. Hear how disappointment and tragedy were turned into victory in a homeschooling parent's life.

From the moment our babies enter our lives until their graduation day (and sometimes longer) they require an incredible amount of attention, affirmation, and training and ultimately TIME. At the same time, marriage needs a constant effort toward the goal. It is hard to keep those two in balance. But by the grace of God, and by His strength, He gives us the tools to maintain and grow a marriage through the trials and triumphs of kids in the home. Then one day, when the youngest leaves the nest, you aren’t looking at each other as strangers. God has a plan for your marriage to thrive THROUGH and BEYOND your years of homeschooling. We will look to the Bible for practical, foundational ways to pour into your marriage while you pour into your kids.

Save time and money by teaching most school subjects to all of your students together. Join Sonya for practical strategies to lower your stress level, provide a well-rounded education, and help you and your children build sweet memories. Learn how to keep it simple by teaching your whole family together with Charlotte Mason methods.

If you are like most parents, you know kids need the 3 Rs to be successful adults. But what about becoming emotionally mature adults? Connie shares from the unique perspective of raising five children into adulthood while working with teens for thirty-five years. The insights she has gleaned from personal one-on-one conversations with her adult children will encourage and equip you to create routines, rules, and relationships with your children that reach beyond the academic lessons and straight to their hearts. In this presentation, Connie will unpack how to include Biblical 3 Rs in your busy homeschool day.

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.

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.

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.

As a parent, you are uniquely qualified to be the primary educator of your children. You have more assets than you realize. Listen and be encouraged by a veteran homeschooling father of four sons.

Do you ever wonder about the type of world your kids will inherit? What about their contemporaries? Do you want to understand the children your kids will study with and work alongside in the future? Meeke explores the big-picture questions of who exactly has the next generation and how they are shaping that generation right now. Christian parents don't need to be alarmed; we just need to be equipped

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.

If you are married with children, and homeschooling on top of that... you probably find that there is a huge balancing act between caring for your children, educating them, and nurturing your own relationship as a married couple. This straight-forward message by Brook and Israel Wayne gives practical and Biblical advice on how to keep the fires of love alive in your marriage, even when you are busy raising children.

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!

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is... being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

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!

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!

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.

Tests and exams are a typical part of school, even home schools. This session will help homeschooling dads take an exam – a spiritual exam of the heart. It uses the acronym H.E.A.R.T. to display truths found in the book of Malachi, which deals with very real heart issues. Topics covered by “Dr. Malachi” include relationships with both God and family. The goal is to discover the practical and faithful steps a father can take in the journey toward turning one’s heart to his children.

What are the life goals we have for our own heart, our home, our marriage, and our children? We will discuss how living as a woman who is a disciple of Christ brings us great influence and ministry in all these areas. We’ll talk about the rewards of keeping our goals God-centered, and learn where to find help for living this kind of life. Based on Proverbs 24:3-4, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

“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.

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.

Homeschooling places great demands on parents and leads to great expectations. This combination can set us up for an intense sense of failure and disappointment. Homeschooling doesn’t always go according to our plans. Even when we are doing our best to follow God and love our families, we may find ourselves in the “fiery furnace,” like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Learn the causes of burnout and shares ways to avoid them. Get many practical tips for simplifying your life. Develop a biblical vision for what you are ultimately trying to accomplish in your children’s lives through homeschooling—a vision that will sustain you through the hard times and difficult days that are sure to come.

Imagine what it will feel like, as you watch your son, even while they are young, be an example to those around him of what a true gentleman looks like, acts like and is. His focus is on others. He notices without effort when someone near him is in need, and then quickly acts. He guards his tongue knowing that his words have impact and his desire is to only have impact for good. He is kind to his family and understands that his example to his family is his duty as a son of God. He is a leader among his peers and although his standards are high, those in his presence do not feel judged by him, but accepted and valued. His goals are lofty, however he looks forward with anticipation to be a righteous husband and father one day. He is a true gentleman. Parents, this Master Class will help you understand how to create the example your son needs to become this gentleman. You don’t want to miss this. He needs you.

Our children live in the midst of a secular culture facing a host of issues and moral dilemmas that we never had to deal with at their age. Because many children are not prepared to counter this culture, startling percentages abandon their faith and beliefs as they move into adulthood. For this reason, a strong biblical worldview is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Teach them to think biblically, quipt them to become powerful thinkers, leaders, and communicators. Most importantly, give them staying power in their faith as they face opposition. Learn why biblical worldview is it crucial; how studying the life of Daniel change my teenager’s life; and why our goal as Christian homeschoolers must be bigger and broader than turning out kids with exceptional talent and high SAT scores. Through worldview training, we can better equip them to use their gifts to impact the world for Christ, help others by solving real problems, and bring glory to God in the process.

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.

Whether we are teaching phonics or physics, refereeing sibling squabbles, or teaching our children eternal truth, we constantly need to remind ourselves that our work as homeschooling moms and dads has tremendous Kingdom significance. Just like adults, children and teens need vision to stay focused and energized. Do your kids know why you homeschool them? Do they share your vision for this innovative, spiritually powerful education you are giving them at home? Is your marriage withstanding the pressures that come with homeschooling? Hear Zan and Joe as they share powerful principles and practical suggestions for creating a family vision for homeschooling that enables you to all pull in the same direction.

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.

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.

Second mile leaders are those counter-intuitive servants of God who earn the right to be heard by developing a consistent love of virtue, a disciplined approach to gratification, and a submissive love for the authority of God’s Word. Male leadership is essential to the success of marriages, families, the church, and society. This session will teach men to Earn The Right To Be Heard, Prefer Proactivity, Reject Reactivity, Learn to elevate virtues above feelings, Build Moral Muscle, Seek Forgiveness, and Develop A Finisher’s Attitude.

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.

The Bible teaches that the basic economic unit of society is the Family—not the corporation, not the government, not the individual. This talk explores the basic elements of a family-centered economy and provides practical steps for families to reclaim productive households that will thrive in uncertain times.

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.

Because we as a society have made marriage be so different from a marriage following God’s principles, it’s hard to know what a healthy relationship looks like! Discover key biblical principles and examples from the Bible to answer the question: “What do you need from me?”