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Special Words for Special Needs ~ I Gave Up Going to Homeschool Conventions

1:31 AM, Feb. 28, 2007

I used to go to homeschooling conventions. At least, I went to the conventions that were close to our home. We really never have the cash to go to one of the 'biggies.' I often envied those who could go and hear all the great speakers, buy all the cool stuff, and get armfuls of catalogs and bags of freebies.

Even the small local meetings would be fun every now and then. But my problem was that I would want to come home and try all the new ideas, products and use those freebies. This would drive my kids insane! I was changing horses midstream and it just wasn't working. I would come home all psyched about a new method or idea and sometimes the flame wouldn't catch. It came to the point that the kids would dread conference/convention time. Mom would be coming home with something 'new' again.

I think that I was searching for the next new thing that would be the next great breakthrough. This would really make homeschooling more-fun-easy-thrilling. My kids would be turned into geniuses overnight and things would all look a little bit brighter. Boy was I attending these meetings with the wrong attitude!

I was very unsure of myself as a homeschool parent for many years. Those other homeschool families had it all together. Their children were smart; they obeyed, plus they all looked so cute when in their identical navy blue and white color scheme outfits. We would come limping into the conference, (due to a long car ride in a small car,) looking like...well, you know, like the homeschool horror family. Heavens, there were times when my son even (gasp!) SPIKED his hair!

I would sit and listen to the speakers with my ears only half open. Listening for that magic bullet that would transform our homeschool into their (seemingly) well-ordered, mega scheduled, perfect grammared, home-university.

It to a lot of years for me to arrive at the conclusion that this is not what our family is called to. We are called to be us-messy roomed at times-too many dishes in the sink'ed' at times-not getting every subject don'ed' at times-and definitely not perfectly grammar'ed'!

I was comparing myself and my children to others. This is especially hard on 'special needs' kids and parents. Each family is different-and ours happened to be even more different! I had to come to the realization that God has gifted our family and others differently. I had to embrace that as a blessing and NOT as a shortcoming. To be truthful, I am still working on it. It is a daily walk and a struggle at times. Dependence on the grace and mercy of God and finding strength in the love of my husband and children is my only strength!

I still read up on issues and I keep informed, but going to conventions is just not for me. I KNOW that homeschool conferences are a great place to find out about new products, network with other families, and get inspiration. BUT I tend to compare too much and as a part of my recovery I just don't go.

Remember to laugh-and love the family God chose for you!

Janice

Janice is the homeschool mother of two and the wife of one who love her even though some of her flaws are really frustrating! She has been working at this blessing of homeschooling for 10 years.

Posted in specialneeds, 3 comments, Link
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Untitled Comment

11:11 AM, Feb. 28, 2007, posted by eclecticeducation

Love your article!!! I have two special needs children so I can relate!! OK, I'll admit, I'm still in that going to the conventions looking for the perfect curriculum stage (homeschooling 5 years) but maybe I'll try going to the convention this year for a different purpose. Thanks!

Untitled Comment

9:13 PM, Feb. 28, 2007, posted by jillconnelly

Wow! Thank you for sharing that! I think that maybe all of us easily get sucked into a "sell" through various means. I have never been to a convention - only dream about it. But I have already seen some danger in browsing all the beautiful catalogs that enter my front door! Everything looks like a must- have and touted as better than the rest!

Spiked Hair

9:10 PM, Mar. 1, 2007, posted by 3boyz

Janice --

Just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one with boys with spiked heads.

My oldest likes his wavy hair straight and flat. So there is a pound of goo on his hands but his hair manages to sneak out under all of that gunk and still do its own thing.

Son #2 ... he is the hs horror child. His look is spike and just got out of bed. He thinks the messier and higher the spikes the better. His favorite color is orange and he loves skateboarding. I don't even think we want to discuss his clothing choices.

Son #3 ... he can't decide if he wants to be like son #1 or son #2 so he has decided to be like both! LOL!! So most of his hair is flat but the front is spikey.

Just thought you would like to know you aren't alone. : -)

Blessings,
Misty in AZ

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