This is it! It’s homeschool convention time here in New Jersey and I’m ready to go!

Even though I’ve been attending the ENOCH homeschool convention for several years, I still remember what it was like to go as a newbie. My feet and back hurt at the end of the day, I spent too much money at lunch and I kept running out to the car to dump all the catalogs I’d collected. And all the books! Overwhelming. So many choices of what to buy.

So I came up with this list. If you are planning to attend your local homeschool convention, I hope you find this list helpful.

How to survive your home school convention

1. Wear comfortable shoes. The convention is the home school mom’s shopping fantasy and you may want to comparison shop to get the best prices, so that means a lot of walking. Resist the urge to wear flip flops, heels or those new shoes you haven’t broken in yet. Go for comfort and practicality.

2. Bring a sweater or jacket. At my first convention, I froze in the workshops because of the air conditioning. Now I know better – I’m going prepared with my denim jacket.

3. Make a shopping list before you go. The convention can be overwhelming with all the vendors vying for your attention. You need a list, so before you leave the house, make a plan with your homeschooling goals in mind. Then you can shop with purpose.

4. Don’t neglect the workshops. I’ve learned so much gleaning the wisdom from the home school moms (and dads) that have gone before me. There is nothing like listening (with pad and pen for note-taking) to these wise parents. They want you to succeed in your homeschooling journey, listen to them.

5. Pack a lunch and snacks, but bring money to buy a treat. Forget buying lunch at the cafeteria; it’s way too expensive. Bring food from home and just buy a cold drink or candy bar.

6. Leave the credit card at home unless you have good self control. You’re going in with your list, and that should keep you on budget, but the odds are something is going to tempt you. It’s a lot harder to impulse buy when you don’t have that plastic money in your pocket. Get the vendor’s catalog or website, you can always purchase that piece of science equipment or expensive writing program after you have time to think it though carefully.

7. Leave the kids at home. For me, the convention is a holiday. I learn at the workshops, buy wonderful books, chat with like-minded parents, leaving passionate about the journey of  homeschooling  – and I’m able to do that because I don’t have to look after the kids. Treat yourself, mom. You will come home refreshed, renewed in your commitment to teaching your children.

8. Bring a cart with wheels to lug all your goodies. I bought mine at an office supply store and it’s a must have for the convention. Just carrying all the free catalogs you get is enough to wear you out; trying to carry all the books and curriculum is just too much without these “extra hands.” I’ve seen moms pulling small carry-on suitcases and moms with wagons, so don’t be afraid to be creative!

9. Go with a friend or go alone, it doesn’t matter – just go! I’ve done both and had a blast. I’m a big believer in the benefits of the home school convention, I wouldn’t miss it.

10. This one is up to you; leave a comment for No. 10. What did I forget? How do you survive your homeschool convention? Please share.