My family lives in Colorado, and we are blessed to have a state Christian homeschool convention here every June — and I’ve attended several. However after my first Teach Them Diligently Convention experience three years ago in Omaha, I’ve made it a priority to attend this particular conference every year. Why would I take a train to Omaha, drive cross-country with my family to Washington D.C., and hop on a plane this year to Dallas in the heat of July to attend a homeschool convention when there’s one annually just 40 miles from my house?!?

Here are just a few reasons why I’m willing — make that thrilled — to trek out of Colorado each year to attend this one-of-a-kind Christian homeschooling, discipleship and parenting convention:

 1) To equip my family for God’s plans and purpose: Teach Them Diligently isn’t just another homeschooling conference. It’s about the heart of families centered on God’s Word and our calling as parents to disciple our children. My first experience at TTD was a real wake-up call for me to the fact that we are in the midst of a real spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of our children — and the battle has only intensified. The good news is that Teach Them Diligently is on a mission to equip you and strengthen your family for the daily struggles and big-picture challenges we face as followers of Jesus in the trenches of our world. You’ll be learning about discipleship and Christian parenting — not just homeschooling.

2) To learn from dynamic, passionate Christian leaders with relevant messages: Every year, I’ve been inspired, challenged and refreshed by the TTD speakers — and this year will not be any different. From nationally recognized speakers like T.C. Stallings, the Benham Brothers and Todd Friel, to some of my favorite voices in the homeschooling world like Rachael Carman, Ann Dunagan, and Hal and Melanie Young, you will be blessed by many practical and powerful messages that you can apply personally and with your family. See who is speaking at TTD this year.

3) To be encouraged — not overwhelmed — in my homeschooling journey: If you’re seeking practical tools and confidence builders for your homeschooling efforts, you will also find them at Teach Them Diligently. However, you won’t find classes on every possible curriculum philosophy or teaching method under the sun: The education offered is very concise and empowering. Yes, there’s a vendor hall, but there is ample opportunity to learn about what’s available so you can explore with focus! Check out the conference schedules for this year.

4) To bring my whole family — no kidding: Last but definitely not least, Teach Them Diligently is a FAMILY conference — and when they say family, they mean it! Children aren’t just accommodated, they are welcome guests with their own educational track. Children ages 4-12 can participate in the “God’s IncrediWorld” Children’s Program, while your teens can participate in the “FOUR-12” Teen Program. There’s a special “Evening of Real Refreshment” with Apologia’s Rachael Carman for moms, and a special Men’s Breakfast for dads.

Last year we took a special family road trip to attend TTD in Washington D.C., and it was one of the best experiences we’ve had as a homeschooling family. Everyone from my husband to my 7-year-old daughter came away inspired and energized (she even gained a pen pal!). Don’t think your husband would attend a homeschooling conference? Have him check out my husband’s perspective on the experience.

I’m flying to Dallas with my eldest daughter (who’s 14) to join my two sisters-in-law, fellow NextGen Homeschool authors Rosanna and Elizabeth, plus their eldest daughters and for the first time, their mom as well — the first-gen homeschooler who started it all! It will be a special time for us to fellowship and encourage one another as well as be filled by the fabulous speakers we will be hearing from.

As this year’s conference season approaches, I really hope you’ll consider investing in yourself and your family by experiencing Teach Them Diligently for yourself if you haven’t already — you’ll be so glad you did!

Have you ever attended Teach Them Diligently or another homeschool convention? If so, what did you enjoy the most? What are you looking for in a homeschool convention? Where do you find local homeschooling encouragement?