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Speaker BioTodd Wilson, author of Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons, is a dad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and gut-honest realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions across the country and a guest on Focus on the Family. His articles have appeared in various magazines. Christianity Today also posts his weekly column (The Familyman Weekly) on their website. Todd and his wife Debbie, along with their eight children spend several months of the year traveling the country encouraging moms and dads. His humor, realness, and straight talk to men (& women) have become his trademark.
This, We Believe! (General Session)
Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we’ve forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and family man, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You’re not going to want to miss this for the world.
Lies Homeschoolers Believe
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 once again why it’s best. Join me as we do just that. You’ll laugh and be encouraged in the toughest job you’ll ever…love.
What to do When Your Plan Doesn’t Go According to Plan
We like things nice and neat, orderly, with predictable outcomes. Often OUR plans don’t ‘come together’ as hoped. Instead, they fall apart and leave us dumbfounded and stunned. I’ve talked to plenty of homeschooling parents who were sold a plan. They followed it and later stood before me with tears in their eyes because the plan “didn’t come together.” “We did everything THEY said to do.” “We didn’t have TV…we homeschooled…we ate organic…we only wore dresses…we sheltered and protected….we did courtship…they played the violin…we emphasized the classics…we never missed family devotions…we emphasized purity…we birthed our children at home…we had a home business” and on and on the list goes. They feel betrayed, angry, and lost….and their children are starting ‘tell all’ websites!! Years ago when I heard their sob stories I wondered what they had done wrong. I believed they must have gotten the WRONG plan…or didn’t carry the plan out according to instructions. While some of that may be true, I know NOW that sometimes our plans don’t come together because God has a DIFFERENT PLAN. Join me as we take an honest and humorous look at plans, why they fall apart and what to do when they have.
Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom (Dads Session)
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.
What’s Next? Helping Your Children Choose the Best Route After Graduation
For twelve years, you’ve probably felt the tension of “what’s next?” for your children. You hoped the dilemma would solve itself, but it didn’t. There are all sorts of homeschool graduates who are stuck in the “what now zone” or were discouraged from traveling a particular path. Put fears aside, look the cap and gown in the eye, and take an honest look at life after graduation. There is NOT a one-size-fits-all solution and the pressure from family members, peers, and experts can seem dizzying. Should they go to college or try a college alternative, do a gap year, start their own businesses, stay at home, get a job, travel the world…join a monastery??!! Don’t be afraid. God has a plan for your child, and part of that plan is that He’s given them YOU to help guide them into their next phase of life. Join Todd Wilson as he takes a bold and straightforward look at “Life after Graduation.” We’ll look at options, discuss pros and cons, and take FEAR out of graduation…remembering along the way that every child’s path is different.
They Look to You (Support Group Leader’s Workshop)
Like it or not, when you’re a homeschool leader, people watch you. Younger moms look to you for guidance and a pattern to follow. They want to be reminded that the sacrifices they make now are worth it, that the young children who are dependent on them will grow up and be okay, and that the dark days of monotonous toiling will be replaced by sunny days of success. Some husbands of homeschooling moms are skeptical of the whole homeschooling idea and need to see positive examples, and be encouraged to be their wife’s knight in shining armor. These young homeschoolers need you to point them to the best materials, the most effective products, and the most encouraging speakers. They look to you for answers, affirmation, and strength, all the while longing to hear that they are normal for wanting to toss in the towel, for feeling inadequate, and for failing to do what matters most. That’s a big order to fill, but one that God has called you to. You don’t need to be perfect, just real. Join Todd as he challenges you in the vital role you play as a homeschool leader.