Raising Godly Boys Minute

Imagine sending an army to war without the tools or training to achieve victory. And yet, we are sending boys, ill-equipped, into a culture that seems to have declared war on boyhood. The results are tragic. Boys are almost twice as likely to be put in special education and three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. And each year, fewer young men enroll in higher education. But changing these statistics is more simple than you may think. For example, the presence of one positive mentor can make a young man more likely to make healthy choices, get better grades, and have higher self-esteem. Today, ask God to put a man in your son's life who can show him how to soldier on in the battle of life.  For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Fidgeting. Being loud. Having trouble staying seated. Running or climbing when it's not appropriate. We used to consider these normal behaviors for young boys.  But now, they are listed as symptoms of ADHD. Attention disorders are certainly real. But in some cases, what if instead of changing our boys' behavior, we need to adjust our approach as adults? For instance–too much screen time and not enough exercise can make it hard for your son to sleep at night. In turn, being tired can make it hard for him to focus during the day. What if you turned off all screens after dinner, and took a family walk before bed instead? You and your son will both reap the benefits. To learn about raising boys to be healthy, godly men, go to TrailLife USA or Raising Godly Boys.com

You're sitting at the dinner table, and you ask your son if he's ready for basketball tryouts. Your son's face starts to turn red. Suddenly, he stands up, pushes his plate away, and knocks his chair over intentionally as he leaves the room. You're confused. What caused this sudden anger outburst? Researchers have discovered that when boys seem angry or withdrawn, they are often actually anxious. So if your son seems angry for no reason, consider what may be stressing him out. Give him time to cool off. Get on his level, and engage him with physical touch and eye contact. And help him find healthier outlets for his anxiety, such as running or shooting hoops. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You've no doubt heard of Babe Ruth, who set a record for most number of home runs in his baseball career– seven hundred and fourteen. But here's a statistic you probably haven't heard– Babe Ruth's total career strikeouts. One thousand three hundred and thirty. That's right– he struck out far more than he hit homers.When it comes to your own son, of course you want him to hit all the proverbial “home runs” in life. But don't forget to let him fail, too. It can be hard for us parents to watch, but failure can actually build resilience and be more beneficial for our children than success. Just ask Babe Ruth, who said– “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son glued to a screen?You've tried everything, but you just can't pull your son away from his video games. Well here's something to consider. Does your son's real life give him the same opportunities for adventure that his virtual world does? Of course, video games are addictive by design. But researchers have found that boys also turn to gaming out of boredom, seeking freedom and risk. Try adding a few more “yesses” to your son's life. Let him ride his bike down a hill, take a walk in the woods, or try climbing a tree. The best way to draw your son away from a virtual world is to give him healthy challenges in real life. To learn about the five critical needs of boys as they grow up, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Billy Graham was one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel to over 200 million people. But in addition to his important preaching ministry, Billy Graham also had an important message for fathers.He said,“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”As a dad, you have the incredible privilege of raising your son to love the Lord and follow His ways. This brings with it the responsibility of providing a strong, Christ-centered foundation for your family.So, how is your parenting journey coming along? Remember, you'll never regret investing time and attention in your son. For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Gangs. They are responsible for almost half of the violent crime in the United States. And yet, boys and men continue to join these groups in droves, some recruited as early as elementary school. Why? Here's a big reason. As boys interact socially, they are always asking three questions: “Who is with me?” “Who is in charge?” And, “What is our mission?”Often, church groups and social clubs, although well-intentioned, fail to answer those questions. If we aren't answering these questions for boys, we will surely lose them to groups that will.To ensure your son thrives, help him identify friends, leaders, and the bigger purpose in everything he does– from school to soccer practice. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In the old days of coal mining, canaries were brought into mines. If the bird died, the miners knew they needed to escape, because there was something noxious in the atmosphere. In our society today, boys are just like those canaries. Many are faltering in every area, including school, relationships, and mental health.But there is one simple thing that can make young men more likely to make healthier choices, do better in school, and have a stronger self esteem. And that is the presence of a positive mentor. Think you're not equipped to be a mentor? Think about the heroes you had growing up. They made you feel valued, worthy, and inspired– and I promise, they were far from perfect people. To learn about a Proven Process for raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys love the story of David and Goliath. Afterall, anytime there's a battle involving giants with swords, it's sure to capture attention.But too often, boys fail to apply important lessons from David's life. Before David defeated Goliath, he had learned to depend on God when battling lions that attacked his sheep. By relying on God in these smaller tests of faith, David had confidence that God would help him no matter what giant situation came his way.What giants are your son facing? At school, is he struggling academically? Are bullies harassing him? Does he know how to navigate peer pressure?The more your son understands that true strength comes from God—for both the small and big stuff—the more victorious he will be in life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you use your phone to send text messages? According to statistics, around 80% of Americans do. Those text messages are often sent to family, friends, and co-workers. And now, more than ever, millions of children also carry a smart phone.If you've decided to provide your son a phone, make sure he uses it responsibly. But in addition to that, use text messaging as a way to connect with him. If you're out of town during one of his sporting events or other activities, send a quick text:Hey buddy. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Just want you to know that I'm so proud of you!A text message doesn't take long to type, but the encouragement it provides lasts for days.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

We need to listen to our children. One old-school method of dealing with children was “The children should be seen and not heard.” Connecting with our child's heart, especially our sons, is critical to having a loving relationship with them, and connection begins with listening and understanding. We must value who they are and who God has made them to be.As we start to listen more to them, we will grow in understanding of who our child is and what makes them thrive. Become a student of your child. Learn what inspires them and what they are passionate about. Be intentional about listening to them, connecting with them, and encouraging them down the right path.Take time today to listen to your children and value who they are.(129 words)For more parenting advice and information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Two of the most difficult words for a parent to say are, “I'm sorry.” Are you saying them enough?As parents, we should ask for forgiveness from our kids if we lose our temper, or don't control our tongue, or if we jump to conclusions without gathering the necessary facts. The difficulty is that we can feel vulnerable, inadequate, and even slightly humiliated when apologizing.But here's the truth: Your son or daughter will grow to love and respect you even more if you apologize. Humbling yourself demonstrates—through action—a love so strong that you are willing to admit wrong in order to restore the relationship. Saying sorry isn't easy, but your example goes a long way in helping your children see what true spiritual maturity looks like.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Glance into your purse or wallet and you'll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.It's nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it's even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?Proverbs 3:5 says,“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Glance into your purse or wallet and you'll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.It's nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it's even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?Proverbs 3:5 says,“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When Benjamin Franklin's name is mentioned, kids think of the Guy who placed a metal key on a kite string. But adults recognize Benjamin Franklin as one of America's most important Founding Fathers. In addition to helping to write the Declaration of Independence, he also had great advice about the learning process.He said,“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”Kids learn in different ways, but boys—especially—benefit from physical involvement. It's one thing to tell a boy how to do something. But having him actually do it helps him remember and apply the lesson in a much more effective way.For information about how to help boys learn and grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you're expecting a baby, you're filled with dreams of how extraordinary your child will eventually become. But if your son has special needs or experiences developmental delays, you dream about him functioning in an ordinary way.The expectations we have for our children don't always turn out the way we wish. During these times, it's easy to become angry, frustrated, and bitter.When these emotions begin swirling through your mind, return your focus to the God of all comfort. Remember that God selected you as a parent for a specific reason. And because He chose you, He will equip you for the task at hand.It's also helpful to receive encouragement throughout the parenting journey. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men. Learn more at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know the four magic words to motivate your son? These four words are powerful. These words might help your boy pay attention at school or cause him to clean his room. Are you ready for the four words? They are: “Here's what's at stake.” You see, boys are motivated by challenges. And when they don't know what's at stake, it's hard for them to stay focused. Here's an example. Maybe your son lacks motivation in his art class. If so, consider this– does he understand why learning about art is important? Sometimes, the “what's at stake” will be a natural consequence– and other times, you may have to create a consequence for your son. Either way, use the four magic words “here's what's at stake”-- and you just might see your son be motivated. For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“What were you thinking?” Most parents ask their son this question at least once. Preteens and teens often make decisions without considering consequences. There's a valid reason for this. Teen brains are still developing. The portion of their brain responsible for planning ahead and understanding the if-then effects, the prefrontal cortex, isn't fully mature until the mid-20's. Until then, they need us to steer them toward healthy choices.Their brains develop properly as they exercise positive decision-making skills. That means taking some risks, like learning tricks on a skateboard, and reaping the rewards while resisting unhealthy temptations, like staying up late or spending too much time staring at screens. So, don't be too hard on your son when his decisions appear impulsive;  applaud him when he makes healthy choices.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you ever use things around you to teach truth? Jesus did it all the time.A caterpillar, wrapping itself in a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful butterfly, is a good example of this teaching process. The caterpillar enters its “tomb,” dies to its former life of destroying plants, and changes into something wondrous and beneficial to those around it. We call it “metamorphosis.”The Apostle Paul used this word Romans 12:2 when he said we were to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind…” By doing so, Paul says, a person dies to a former life, and becomes something heavenly.As we celebrate Easter Sunday, the truth of the caterpillar is something little minds and hearts can comprehend. That's why Jesus taught this way. He used simple illustrations, but oh, how profound is the truth.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you get your son to unplug from his electronics and go outside?  You know his bones and muscles are atrophying with no activity, but how can you help him become the young man he has the potential to be?Dane enrolled his son in Trail Life.  On his first hike, he thought he might have made a mistake, for it was a long, exhausting trek up the side of a mountain.  But when the other boys broke out frisbees and his son was sprinting across the meadow playing a game of ‘Ultimate' even after a long hike, he knew he made the right decision.Challenge your son.  Give him an adventure.  Only God knows what he can become.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son know what it means to respect women? He certainly isn't going to learn this by watching society. Best-selling author and father Dave Willis says parents must be intentional about teaching their sons to view the opposite sex in a healthy way. First, Willis says to have clear conversations. Discuss what behavior is and isn't OK. Point out that, while Jesus was on earth, he treated women with utmost kindness and honor. Secondly, model respect.  If you're a single mom, seek out a male mentor for your son who you know treats women kindly. And finally, encourage expressions of healthy masculinity. Help your son find a community of positive peers and male mentors. This could be a youth group, an after-school program, or an outdoor adventure program like Trail Life USA. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Life is hard.  Is your son ready?Does he have the tools to come face-to-face with the things you went through– and overcome?When the disciple Peter stepped out of the boat to follow Jesus, it was a great act of intense faith.  But the roar of wind and waves around him took his focus from Christ, and he began to sink.Teach your son to focus intently on the face of Christ, and seek him with his whole heart. Live out for him the word of God as his map and compass through this life.  Give him godly mentors to show him the way, and godly young men to help sharpen his faith to face the tests of life– and overcome.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Boys, time to take three laps around the house.” My homeschool friend recognizes the need for her sons to get up and move several times a day. So, once an hour the kids go outside and run around for ten minutes.Boys learn best when their entire body is involved in the process. That's why they're naturally restless and rambunctious. Their instinct is to keep moving. When their body is in motion, their brain is more engaged, which allows for a better learning environment.The next time you want to help your son absorb some facts, combine the learning experience with an activity. They can recite memory verses while bouncing a basketball or listen to a book while shuffling a deck of cards. The information is more likely to stick.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son play video games?A grandfather asked his grandson, “Why do you like playing Fortnite so much?” His grandson's reply was telling: “Because I'm good at it.”Why do we have such an inner drive? To be good? To win? Sometimes at the expense of others? The answer lies in The Fall. Mankind was created, and God said it was “very good.”* Everything Adam and Eve needed was woven into them to worship God and obey Him.However, when they decided to believe the serpent instead, that inner drive became corrupted. And, unfortunately, the rest is history.Teaching our boys what true goodness is, by showing them the life of Jesus, takes this concept out of the fake worlds of video games and plants it firmly in the real world around them.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com. *Genesis 1:31

Is your son growing closer to God, or further away?It seems that everything in our modern culture is trying to drive a wedge between our sons and their faith in God.  Many times, this worldly influence comes from their friends.Abraham Kuyper, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, once said, “He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.”Surround your sons with godly men to mentor him and with true friends who will encourage him in his walk with Christ.  Modern culture wants to rip him away from God.  Put people in his life that push him, by their example and by their words, ever closer to the love of Jesus Christ.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Walk into any coffee shop, and the chances are high that you'll see two women talking. Sitting across from each other, the women will look each other in the eye and discuss deep and personal issues. You probably won't see two men sitting and conversing in the same way. Why? Well, as Dr. Emerson Eggerichs points out, it's a matter of gender differences. Women prefer face to face communication, while men tend to prefer shoulder-to-shoulder discussions. As a parent of a son, this is deeply valuable information for you to consider. When you're concerned about your son and would like him to share his struggles, get beside him. Take a drive, hike together, or stand on a dock side-by-side and fish. Your boy will most likely prefer those settings over going to a coffee shop. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When is your son strong enough?  How do you know he's ready?Tyler was the smallest, youngest member of the troop, and afraid of heights, so when it came time to go down the rappelling tower, the leaders were not surprised when Tyler got into the harness and timidly inched down the side of the tower.  What blew their minds was that he went back over and over again, until he was kicking out off the top ledge, the rope zipping through his hands as he flew through the air in giant leaps, with a huge grin on his face.Sometimes, all a boy needs is a challenge.  Give him that challenge, and see who he can become!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

I have a tough time visualizing Jesus, mocking an opponent, calling them “losers.”It's called “trash talk,” or having “swag.” And it can get ugly.Sportsmanship, like so many cultural norms these days, is becoming a thing of the past.When a player does something memorable, like crouching down and consoling a member of the losing side after the game is over, we marvel at their example.That's the kind of life Jesus lived. Winning a game is just that. A game. Sportsmanship is a life lesson that shapes and molds a young man into something more. When taken deeper, showing compassion, even when you “lose,” becomes the ultimate example. That's when you can say to the vitriol of an ungracious opponent, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”* For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.*Luke 23:34

Are there days you want to resign as a parent? You wish you could throw in the towel and call it quits?Most parents have fleeting thoughts of giving up. During these problematic moments, remember God's encouragement in James. The one who perseveres under trial is blessed and will receive the crown of life.  Raising boys is a long endeavor. A marathon, not a race. And it sometimes requires thick skin. On the days when our boys run through the house and knock things over or leave their socks laying around for the umpteenth time, remember your goal isn't to only change behavior, but to build character. And that takes perseverance and patience. So, go ahead and remind them one more time not to run. Smile and tell them to pick up their dirty clothes. You're raising Godly boys. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do your son's friends influence him?  Do they make him better?  Do they encourage him to be his best and have a good attitude?The twins were away from video games and TV.  Cold and wet from the rainy canoe camping trip, all they wanted when they put in to camp was to go home.  Bad became worse when they discovered their patrol's food and all the extra water got left behind.But the other boys shared their own food and started playing games in the rain.  Soon, they were cannonballing into the river, finding frogs, and running through the woods.  That night, they crawled into their tents wet, hungry, and very, very happy.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Luke, a senior in high school, took a breath. He was about to rappel down a steep cliff. He knew that, at the bottom of the cliff,  an experienced rock climber was holding the safety rope. But it still took all the courage Luke had to begin to rappel. A few weeks later, Luke took a deep breath yet again. But this time he wasn't rappelling. He was about to graduate high school. Just as had known the experienced rock climber would keep him safe, he knew his Heavenly Father was holding his future. As Luke learned while rappelling, out of all the ways that outdoor activities benefit your son, perhaps the most important of all is the lesson in trusting God. These activities teach your boy to have courage and step out in faith. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why are boys protectors?At four years old, Thomas saw a red wasp fly into the room and land next to his baby sister, buzzing threateningly.  Scared for his sister, he stepped in front of her, stomping on the wasp with his bare foot, and the stinger went deep into his soft skin.His mother rushed from the kitchen and scooped up the brave little boy who saved his sister by taking the pain himself.Boys are men-in-training, and the God-given role of protector is hard-wired into them.  Masculinity is not toxic, it is godly and heroic.Help your son become the best.  Live Christ in your life.  Find good, strong mentors to train him, and high-character friends to walk alongside him.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Wet towels on the bathroom floor. Dirty clothes strewn about the bedroom with Legos embedded within, acting as a plastic minefield. And dirt. Dirt everywhere. If you have boys, then this little visual has you nodding in agreement. Personal hygiene for the average pre-teen boy or early teenager just doesn't compute. Not until there is a girl involved. Then, we see the transformation unfold before our eyes. The hair has to be just so. Clean clothes matter. Deodorant and cologne become necessities.What happened?He now has a reason to care. But didn't he have a reason to care before? Yes. “Whether then, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”* Sometimes, boys need to be taught how God's Word applies to every aspect of life. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son ready?John David was giving the boys a last-minute pack check before heading out on a week-long hike and campout of over eighty miles, when he noticed they only had one water bottle apiece.  The trails were long and dusty, and many times there would be no streams or rivers along the way, and they could only find water to filter at the end of the day.  He quickly got them more water bottles, and they were ready for the trip.One sip of a Sunday sermon is not enough to carry your son through the week.  Teach him to drink deeply of the word, daily refreshing himself by streams of pure water in scripture. Morning and nightly draughts from God's word will sustain him, clear his mind, and give him strength to carry on.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's an idea for studying the Bible with your teenage son. First, find a simple Bible reading plan online. Each day, you and your son read the passage together or own your own. Then, after reading the passage, go through the H.E.A.R. acronym.  This was created by Pastor Robbie Gallaty. H stands for– Highlight a verse that stands out E— Explain what this verse means A— Apply this to your  life And R— Respond to God's Word. Pastor Robbie says he created this acronym to eliminate many of the excuses people give for not understanding God's word. It's also an excellent catalyst for sparking spiritual conversations between you and your son. Pray about giving the H.E.A.R method a try. For more ideas to raise your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

William Wallace, who fought for Scottish independence, recalls this quote his uncle used to tell him: “I tell you a truth: Liberty is the best of things, my son; never live under any slavish bond.”Teach your son to walk in freedom.  Many things in this life will seek to enslave him: twisted immorality, the pursuit of selfish ends and amassing wealth, or a life of ease and pleasure.  But it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Your son is free from the bondage of Pharisaical judgment, Corinthian licentiousness, and everything in between.  Whom the son sets free is free indeed.  So help him fight his battles, help free him from society's grip, and let him soar with eagle's wings so he, in turn, may reach out and help free others.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Integrity. We sometimes call it, “Honor,” or “Our Word.”If we say, “You have my word,” we wish for that person to believe us and trust us. Not just now, but in the future as well.Yet, Integrity is a difficult thing for young men to build in today's society. They are surrounded by peers, cultural icons, and even relatives who lie to “save their backsides.”The Bible says, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”*God said we could believe His Word unto salvation and everlasting life. And if our young men are to follow in the Master's footsteps, then having integrity that mirrors their Master should be a priority. Not only for themselves, but for their posterity too.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

John Eldredge writes,  “Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts. That is what little boys play at. That is what men's movies are about. You just see it. It is undeniable.”In today's world, those desires can become distorted, twisted, or boys can be shamed out of righteous desires to pursue the lies society paints with glitter and holds up as bait.You can affirm your boys in their desires for adventure, victory, and love, and do it with purpose.  Teach them the right battles to fight.  Give them tremendous adventures to live.  Train them to be ready to rescue.  Surround your son with men and boys seeking a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know how microwave popcorn works? Each kernel has a tiny drop of water inside. When that drop of water is heated up, the kernel explodes into popcorn! Here's what I want to hone in on– even though they are placed in the same bag and heated in the same microwave— each kernel will turn into popcorn at different times. In the same way, your son will develop at his own rate. It's very normal for boys to develop at a slower rate than girls, and then eventually catch up. But often, the school system continues to compare boys and girls as equals, which leads to many boys being considered developmentally delayed. If that describes your son– don't lose heart. Most likely, he will catch up in due time. He is perfectly and wonderfully made. For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How much food can one boy eat? What about ten boys? If your son is anything like mine, they can put away some groceries.David and the other leaders planned ahead, and had a cooler full of food for the boys' outdoor leadership training retreat. What they did not count on was the fish.Camping right next to a lake, the boys spent every free moment with a line in the water, built a fire, and cooked fish for breakfast, lunch, and supper. David went home with 90% of the food he brought to the campout!Godly mentoring, fun with friends, and lots of fish-- it was a weekend to remember!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It's getting harder and harder to find programming on TV, movies in the theaters, or books in the bookstore to which we, as parents, feel comfortable exposing our children.Guarding their hearts and minds becomes infinitely more difficult the day you hand them their first smartphone.Because boys are typically very visual, in both their learning and what stimulates them emotionally, our “visual society,” with all of its ungodly trappings becomes a literal minefield, slowly destroying their boyhood innocence, one blast at a time.We know the saying: “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Jesus phrased it like this: “From out of the heart, the mouth speaks.”* What are your boys viewing that will eventually come out as words and deeds? And does the answer to that question alarm you?For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you didn't fit in?God created us with an innate desire to belong, to connect with others, to be part of a community. Our sons are no different. Even when they act uninterested, hide in their room, or say they don't care, they still long to fit it. They want to join with others and experience the thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves. Our job is to steer them toward a group with healthy goals and positive influences. Pray about a place for them to belong.Encourage your boys to join a Christian group like Trail Life, where they can experience God's creation, mature into godly men, and accomplish tasks alongside others.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son know how to succeed?A young boy was talking to JD, an infectiously happy disc-golf expert who drove trucks for a living.Eyes crinkling, JD told the boy, “I figured out the secret to making money as a truck driver.  Wanna hear it?”The boy nodded eagerly, and JD answered with a smile, “Keep the left door closed.”What JD meant was, “don't stop unnecessarily; keep on driving.”Whether your son is climbing a mountain, practicing for football or soccer, or learning a trade, the secret to success is often that simple; just keep going.  Persistence brings success, and small successes now mean you have prepared him to succeed on a much larger field: in life.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Teach your son to do the best he can with what God has given him. Violinist Niccolo Paganini was playing a piece in front of an audience when, one by one, his violin strings began to snap. Finally, Niccolo was left with only one single working string. Unfazed, he finished the piece on the single string he had left. This is a wonderful example of focusing on our strengths. Our Creator has a specific purpose for every young man's life. But sometimes, it's easy for boys to only look at their weaknesses and decide that they aren't equipped to do great things. Instead, help your son focus on his strengths, and offer those to God. After all, our Lord can create beautiful music with any number of violin strings. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Tim Allen once said, “Do you know what causes sibling rivalry? Having more than one kid."Worldly speaking, this is true. And funny. However, from a biblical perspective, the cause of sibling rivalry can reside in an “only child” household, too, for the ultimate cause is our sinful nature. The selfish cries of “Mine!” can manifest themselves in the presence of friends or relatives just the same.Jesus taught us that the entire Law of God can be summed up in two steps: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.* Who's closer to being a neighbor than a sibling?For when we teach our boys to have the heart of our Savior, siblings become more than mere flesh and blood with whom to compete.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son ready to face life?Would you like him to be?Giving your son challenges to overcome strengthens him to take on more.  Hiking a misty morning trail, sweating and pushing himself on the football field, or learning the thrill of shooting his kayak down a roaring rapid, powering through the river with eager strokes all build in him a mindset of success to overcome what life brings him.Leonardo DaVinci once said, “Obstacles cannot crush me.  Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.”Give your son the opportunity to succeed.  Carefully select challenges to push him and show him how strong he really is.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“You're not listening.” Have you said this to your son lately? Maybe he was clicking his pen or fidgeting with a toy rather than paying attention to your words. He appears to be ignoring you. However, his annoying behavior could be what helps him understand your instructions.Boys can't process sentence after sentence after sentence. Typically, they are kinesthetic and learn best when physically engaged in an activity. So, rather than sitting across from your son, try talking with him while participating in an activity together. Shoulder to shoulder, rather than eye to eye. When you need to correct your son or offer him advice, get moving. Take a walk. Go for a bike ride. Build a fort. He's more apt to hear your message.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son have a direction?  Has he chosen what he wants his character to be?You can help him do this, you know.When you do, help him choose a character not based on pleasure or self, but on fulfilling God's purpose for his life.Albert Einstein once said, “To make a goal of comfort or happiness has never appealed to me; a system of ethics built on this basis would be sufficient only for a herd of cattle.”Don't raise your son as cattle.  Raise him to be a godly leader whose first thought is not for himself, but for how he can serve his Savior.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Teach your son to be a friend to all– even to those who are missing buttons.  In the classic children's book Corduroy by Don Freeman, a little stuffed bear sits on a store shelf. Children see the bear and consider purchasing him. But when they see that Corduroy is missing a button on his overalls, they put him back on the shelf. One day, a child decides to buy Corduroy, despite his missing button. When she takes him home, Corduroy thinks, “I've always wanted a friend.” Your son is watching the way you treat others. Do you disregard and judge people because of their imperfections? Or, do you forgive and show grace? Remind your son that Jesus was known for loving the misfits. As Christians, we should be a friend to all as well. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever wanted to talk to your son?  Like, really talk?  Life can come at them hard and fast in today's world.Chris was concerned about his son after cancer took his wife.  His son always said he was fine, but Chris wondered.On a campout with their troop, when all the rock-climbing and tower-building was complete, Chris and his son went to fish.  As the sun was setting and Canadian geese circled in to settle on the opposite side of the pond, Chris' son said simply, “Mom would have liked this.”Chris was quiet.  “I miss her,” his son said, then broke down in tears.  Chris dropped his rod and wrapped him up in a big hug, and they were able to talk– really talk. Make space to hear your son's heart.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com

Almost all of us have been bullied or observed someone bully others. How do we help our sons stand up to a tormentor without retaliating or being a pushover?Devon joined the swim team last summer. A few teammates made fun of him because he wasn't part of the “in” crowd. Others saw but didn't know how to help. When Devon asked his parents what to do, they told him, “Just continue to be the person you are. Treat others the way you want to be treated.” And he did. At the end of season, Devon won the “Kindest Person on the Team” award. Everyone, including the coaches, noticed his caring disposition.When your son asks how to stop a bully, one answer may be, “Just be yourself.”For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.