I’m hoping to write more and more as time goes on about homeschooling as a major introvert…this will be one of those posts. I hope that by sharing my own experience, I can encourage other introverts and highly sensitive folks that are living the homeschooling life. It’s not for the faint of heart, folks!
I have been so blessed to attend various homeschooling conferences over the years and I consider those to be some of the most encouraging and inspiring times as a homeschooling mom. However, it isn’t always easy to be in that sea of people all.day.long several days in a row. So, I’m going to share WHY I continue going and HOW to make it a bit more enjoyable if you are an introvert.
6 Reasons Why Introverts Should Attend Conferences
1. I need the encouragement. Let’s just be honest with ourselves, if I stay holed up in my home all the time, I’m not getting the refreshment and encouragement and inspiration that I need. Yes, I get a lot of those things on the internet – my favorite blogs, Facebook, or even reading my favorite homeschooling books again and again. But, I have to tell you, if you’ve never attended a conference – there is nothing like hearing those speakers in person. I liken it to attending church — if I watch online week after week, I’m missing that REAL PERSON speaking directly to me. I’m missing the fellowship. I’m missing that friend coming over and giving me a hug. Even as an introvert, these things are needed, even if we aren’t energized by it day in and day out. That doesn’t mean we don’t need ANY of it.
2. Homeschool moms need inspiration and motivation. Introverts especially need this, at least this introvert does! As one who over thinks every.single.thing in my life, especially homeschooling decisions, I need the motivation and inspiration that a conference brings to my heart. I need to hear that I’m making GOOD choices even when the world tells me I’m strange. I need to be inspired to keep teaching my children the ways of the Lord. You aren’t going to hear this from a lot of places, and I need to hear it regularly. I always, always come home with a renewed passion and sense of purpose for our homeschool. I need that so badly – every year, even multiple times a year!
3. Hotel rooms are the quiet I need. When I need some QUIET or just a few moments without the noise, a hotel room fits the bill. I admit, it’s almost like a mini-vacation to attend one of these conferences by myself or with a friend. I’ve taken my children before {And the TTD children’s program is AMAZING.} But, for this introvert, the time in the quiet hotel room is like a dream come true. You can escape to your hotel room anytime you need to, or just arriving at night when the sessions for that day are over is wonderful. In fact, I’ve known an introvert or two that skips a session just to enjoy some peace and quiet in the hotel room. And you know what, GO FOR IT. I want you to know that you don’t HAVE to attend every session!! It’s not mandatory. {grin} Choose the sessions that will be best for you and your family, and then let the other few hours go…for your sanity! Or for shopping.
4. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. A lot of folks attend these conferences with their families. I think that is great! But, if you’re like me, an introvert through and through, you might enjoy a few days away from home by yourself! I know some of you don’t have the option to go alone (or with a friend) because you have a nursing baby or a child with medical needs or no childcare…but, if you’re like me and the opportunity does present itself, I encourage you to give it a try. For me, being away from my children for a few hours or a few days does my heart loads of good. I come back as a better mom. I come back inspired and ready to love them wholeheartedly. I receive the encouragement I need as a mom who struggles with being a mom on a daily basis.
5. Likeminded friends do a heart a ton of good. As introverts, we need to be affirmed that we are making wise choices. I am usually OK with being a rebel and going against the flow of this world, but every once in awhile, I need to be strengthened by like-minded folks. This is exactly what you will find at a homeschool conference. Your methods and curriculum choices do not matter in this. You can be a classical homeschooler or an unschooler, you will still find encouragement from being around others that choose to home educate.
6. Books, books, books. I think for most introverts, curling up with a good book is the epitome of perfection. If I had my dreams come true, I would not need a shopping mall or island vacation, just give me a comfy chair, a warm blanket, a cup of coffee and a good book. Well…the vendor hall will provide you such an amazing assortment of selections!! Don’t let the vendor hall overwhelm you – it can do that! Plan your time accordingly. Give yourself only so much time in the vendor hall before you go get lunch or back to your room. Don’t spend hours and hours agonizing over choices in the vendor hall. It will wear you down! Give yourself 30 minutes here and there. Look at the vendor map and choose the places you want to visit without wandering aimlessly. Unless you like wandering aimlessly, of course! 🙂
In closing this post, I want to share with you an amazing conference that I hope you will take advantage of! These are my affiliate links and I appreciate you registering through them at no extra cost to you!
Teach Them Diligently Conference
I’m attending my 3rd TTD in a few weeks! I cannot wait! I’ve shared lots of my speaker notes here on my blog ~ some of my favorites have been Sally Clarkson, Pam Tebow, Mark Hamby and Deb Bell. These conferences were started by the Nunnery family, I’ve stayed in their home, they are precious and their heart is to bless the homeschool community. They are the real deal. Also, these conferences are NOT just for homeschoolers! These conferences are for any Christian family wishing to disciple their children and raise them to be world changers for Christ. Go here to read more about these conferences and register!
I found inspiration for this post from these blog posts: 8 Tips for a Great Girls’ Weekend at Convention, 5 Ways an Introvert Can Survive a Homeschool Convention.