Raising Godly Boys Minute

Maybe your son just needs a break. You only want the best for your son. You want to make sure he does well in school, eats reasonably well, makes friends, and participates in extracurriculars. And those are all wonderful things. But in this fast-paced society, don't forget to let your son take a break, as well. Schedule “down days,” where you don't have anything planned. Give your son long stretches of time where he can do whatever he wants. You might feel like a neglectful parent, but allowing your son to be bored will give him time to relax, play, and learn to manage his own time. When in doubt, just send him outside– he'll find something to do! For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Our boys are under attack. Boys have fallen behind girls in every academic category. Girls are now more likely to have a college education than boys, and boys are more likely to live at home longer and fail to launch into the world. As a parent, it can be discouraging to raise sons in a world that views masculinity as toxic. But by focusing on the five critical needs of boys, we can help our sons be strong, Godly men. First, boys need clear direction. Second, they need a safe male mentor. Third, they need boundaries. Fourth, they need risk, and finally, they need real-world challenges. With all five, boys have the tools they need to rise up in a world that is so determined to knock them down. To learn more about these five critical needs, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you heard this criticism of Christians? “They're so heavenly minded, they're no earthly good.”Focusing on the world to come doesn't mean that we are to leave the present world as it is, but everything we do, say, and teach our boys should be filtered through the lens of eternity. What are the Lord's instructions for you during your time here on Earth? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.Remember the refrain of British missionary C.T. Studd's famous poem: “Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you help your children grow spiritually?Here are three ideas:Set an example for them. It's been said that when it comes to children, more is caught than taught. They'll see when you read your Bible and pray (and when you don't). And they'll notice how often you attend church and how important spiritual things are to you.Read with them. This helps kids grow spiritually in a fun and engaging way. Take the time to read books with them, including the Bible, and discuss spiritual themes you see.Pray for them. This is, perhaps, the most important thing you can do for your kids. It's easy to overlook the power of prayer when thinking about how to help your child grow spiritually. Make it a priority.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son truly delayed…or is he just a boy? Asher, who is six years old, got a letter sent home with him from school saying he is delayed and needs to work on sitting still. Asher's mom took the letter to her son's pediatrician, who shook her head, and said “He's not delayed. He's just being a boy.” The school system is not designed with young, energetic boys in mind– especially since boys develop more slowly than their female peers. When it comes to your son's development, pray for wisdom and seek professional advice. And above all, give your son lots of grace. He has a smart Creator, and he may just need some more time. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How will you pass your faith on to the next generation?Psalm 78:4 charges us to “tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.”In this psalm, Asaph implored Jewish fathers to pass the faith from one generation to the next because he knew people would be prone to forgetting what God had done for them.Good parenting requires us to share helpful instructions worth remembering. You should instruct your family according to God's Word and share stories about what he has done for you. In doing so, God will enable you to impact future generations for years to come.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why do boys like to play with cars and trucks? In 2002, a study at Texas A&M University was designed to explore this question. Researchers took male and female monkeys, and gave them equal access to both traditional boy and girl toys. Interestingly, the male monkeys naturally gravitated towards the traditional male toys, like cars, while the females did likewise with the girl toys, like dolls. As much as our society would like to claim that there are no true differences between genders– boys are different from girls! Encourage your son to play with the “boy toys” he wants to– or, better yet, grab a race car and play along with him. You will see God's perfect design playing out right in front of you. To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son become your idol? That may seem like a ridiculous question. But for even the most well-intentioned parents, their son's happiness and success can consume their entire life, to the point that it becomes more important than their relationship with GOd. Take some time to sit with God and reflect on your relationship with your son. Are you willing to discipline him to develop his character, even if it means he is angry with you? Do you obsess over controlling what he's exposed to?  It may be time to step back, ask the Holy Spirit to influence your son, and exercise your trust in God. It may be the best thing you've ever done for your son. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Being rooted in God's Word, the Bible, is like the Shepherd's tree, native to the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.The Shepherd's tree has the deepest documented roots of any tree, more than 230 feet deep.Jeremiah 17:7-8 says: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”Let's teach our boys to trust in the firm foundation the Lord provides for His children through His Word.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Want to help your son manage his big emotions? It starts with you. Researchers have found that– because of something in our brains called mirror neurons– the emotions we display cause our children to feel those emotions, too. As New York Times writer Ashley Abramson put it, “The same part of your brain that lights up when you're feeling happy may also light up when you observe happiness in others.”So the next time your son is feeling angry, overwhelmed, or frustrated, instead of focusing on his own emotions, check yourself first. Say a prayer, adjust your body language and expression, and ask God to help you be calm and at peace. Simply observing that peace in you may help your son learn how to calm down, too. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know how long most people will spend on hold during their lifetime?According to software company RingCentral, people on average will spend about 40 days of their life (or more than 1,000 hours) on hold with a call center.In today's instant-gratification society, most people, especially children, don't want to wait for things, but the Bible calls us to be patient and “wait on the Lord.”Patiently waiting is difficult for us and our kids to do, and we want to take matters into our own hands, but we must trust in God's timing.It's encouraging to know that God is working behind the scenes. So, when the time is right, everything will be in place for us to move forward.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Wish your son would talk to you more? Take him outside. Since your son can turn to Google for an answer to any question, he may not come to you much with questions in his day-to-day life. But if you get him in an outdoor setting,  he just might start asking you for help. Have him pitch your tent while you're camping. Get on a boat and go fishing, and teach him how to tie his own lure and clean his own fish. At night, ask him to build a fire at your campsite. As he asks you questions about each task, it will open up your conversation. And as you sit around the fire, he just might start asking you about other issues in his life, as well. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember this old children's nursery rhyme?“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”While there's some truth to this statement, we've all experienced the pain caused by hurtful things said to us. Words can hurt.The Bible says, “The tongue has the power of life and death,” and “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”We need to set a godly example for boys by how we speak to them and others and hold them to the same standard.Think about it like this: If your speech had a smell, would it be sweet or sour?For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men,visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you teach your son self control? Self control is, of course, one of the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5. And psychologists say that self regulation skills are the key to avoiding addictions. So how can we develop this essential trait in our son? First, do all you can to model self-control. Do your best to make your words and actions line up, and be sure your son sees that. Second, help your boy learn how to make difficult tasks more fun. Could he listen to music while he cleans his room, or work on his homework outside on a nice day? And third, be sure your son has free time to choose what he wants to do. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who or what do you look to for help when you need it?If you're a Christian, God has given you a helper, the Holy Spirit.Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.”Boys often won't be able to face their challenges on their own, but the Holy Spirit comes alongside them to help them — all they need to do is ask for and accept his help.Instead of trying to solve every problem our boys have, let's point them to the power source that will never fail them.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You know your son needs sleep. But do you know just how much it can impact his life?  You've no doubt heard about the studies that link adequate sleep to better school performance and behavior, two things that many boys particularly struggle with. But one study at the University of Maryland actually found that children who slept less than nine hours had different brain structure! The lack of sleep caused those children to have less grey matter in their brains, which, among other things, helps impulse control. So to give your son the best chance at self-regulation, school performance, prioritize his sleep– even if it means missing out on other activities at night. His developing brain will thank you! For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you help make sure your kids keep their faith in God?The following statistics are eye-opening and sobering.According to Barna, nearly 59 percent of youth leave the church after they graduate high school, and only 17 percent maintain a biblical worldview.Common reasons for leaving the church include moving to college, judgmental and/or hypocritical church members, and no longer feeling connected to the people in their church.It's crucial to equip your children to defend their faith. The “why” is just as important as the “what.” They need to know why they believe what they believe.Be faithful to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do your kids believe it is better to give than receive?Science shows that children are born with a “compassionate instinct.” They observed that infants help others even though they are too young to have learned this behavior. Their motivation doesn't depend on the expectation of a reward.As parents and father figures, it is our job to encourage our children to be givers, not takers. Takers are selfish: They seek to be better than others. Givers are generous: They want to bring out the best in others.Here's a tip from psychologist Adam Grant: Say “Thank you for being a helper” instead of “Thank you for helping.” Recognizing kids as “helpers” helps them to internalize giving as part of their identities.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA orRaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Maybe our son's safety shouldn't be our only goal. Author Leslie Leyland Fields raised her son in Alaska. One day, her son got injured in an accident, and Leslie boarded a plane with him to get help. But when she felt the pilot pull up hard and turn, she thought they were about to hit a mountain and die. At that moment, Leslie felt regret. She thought she had failed at her one goal as a mom: to give her son a safe childhood. But just as her anxiety grew, a sense of peace from Jesus filled her heart. Leslie realized that, more than just safety, her goal was to raise a boy who could courageously face whatever challenges life brings– knowing that Jesus is always by his side. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who do your children belong to?The Bible says that once they decide to follow Jesus, they become God's children.“To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12It's amazing that God loves them so much and has named them as one of his children.Becoming a child of God comes with security. Being secure in your identity as God's child removes your need for worldly love, praise, acceptance, affirmation, and respect.When the world, people, and circumstances try to bring you and your boys down, remind yourself and them of your secure identity in Christ. For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Dr James Dobson of Focus on the Family once received an interesting letter from a nine-year-old girl. The letter was titled “why girls are better than boys.” The list included everything from “girls are kinder to animals,” to “girls don't smell as bad.” Amused, Dr. Dobson posted the letter in his newsletter, and asked boys to make their own list.  He received a variety of responses, including “boys are better because they aren't scared of scary movies,” and “boys can build better forts than girls.” Unfortunately, our society often leans towards that nine-year-old girls' perspective– celebrating feminine traits and dismissing masculine traits. It's up to us as parents to remind boys that their natural tendencies to be brave, innovative, and energetic should be celebrated, as well. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What gives you peace?Is it listening to music, spending time outdoors, or meditating?The best source of peace is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.Jesus told his disciples — and us: “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”When our boys are worried and scared, we should point them to the Provider of Peace, Jesus.His peace will help change how they respond to scary situations. When they focus on Jesus, he will quiet their fears and give them the peace the world cannot offer.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you had The Talk with your son? That conversation about physical differences between males and females can be awkward and uncomfortable. So awkward, in fact, that some parents postpone The Talk until a later, more convenient time.As a dad, you need to courageously begin that conversation. Today's kids encounter sexuality at school, the mall, and even at sporting events. And because boys are curious and visually enticed, waiting to have The Talk may lead to confusion of what sex is all about.Fortunately, there are excellent resources from Christian organizations to help you talk about sex from a biblical perspective. And even though the conversation may be a little awkward, when your son realizes that you want the very best for him, he'll listen. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you teach your son to respect women? Romans 12:10 says “Love one another with a brotherly love.” That is a far cry from the values of our culture, where disrespect is the norm. But while boys tend to have a natural respect for older men, they may need help learning how to treat women appropriately. First, lead by example. If you're a man, treat the women in your life with kindness. Second, be sure to filter out and discuss what messages are shown in TV shows. And thirdly, remind your son how much God loves him, and allow age-appropriate levels of responsibility. When your son knows he's a beloved child of God, he's more likely to treat others that way, as well. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Raising a son is a lot like growing a garden. There's a lot of strategy and decision making involved– where to plant your garden and what seeds to put in the ground. There's grunt work– cultivating, planting, and building a fence. There's waiting and watering daily, and dealing with unknowns like weather. There's the stress of predators, and the joy of watching new growth. Even with all that work, in the end, in both gardening and parenting, the results are still completely out of our control. As parents, we have two choices. We can fear that lack of control, and exhaust ourselves trying to do everything right. Or, we can do our best, and trust that it's God who ultimately helps our son grow and bloom. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you want to open a package, you use scissors, not a jackhammer. When you want to tame your bedhead, you use a comb, not a pitchfork.Using the appropriate tool for the job is important. Similarly, when it's necessary to correct your son, make sure to use the appropriate technique. A stern gaze might be enough warning for a sensitive boy. Another child may need extra chores or other forms of discipline to remind him that wrong behavior has consequences.As you train your son in the way he should go, be sensitive to his attitude and emotions. By adapting your method of correction, your son will be more likely to respond positively. And as he grows wiser, your relationship with one another will grow stronger.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son “too cool” for mom's kisses? Here's what you can do. Rhonda Stoppe was sitting in a hospital room with her six year old son Brandon. He was getting a sleep study after having a horrible seizure. Brandon was asleep, and Rhonda walked over and kissed him on the forehead. The technician told Rhonda to go look at the screen. Rhonda was astonished to see that, even though Brandon was asleep, his brain activity actually showed that he knew his mom kissed him. So if your son rolls his eyes when you try to kiss him, kiss him when he's sleeping. And– more than that– remember that, even if it doesn't seem like it,  the little things you do each day to show your son love do make a difference. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you an idol worshiper?While most Americans don't worship carved statues, idol worship is still prevalent in our society. We idolize things like money, possessions, and jobs … and people like actors, athletes, musicians, and even members of our own families.A biblical definition of an idol is anything or anyone we value more than God or worshiping someone or something other than God as though it were God.In the first of his ten commandments, God said, “You shall have no other gods before me.” He is a “jealous” God and will not share his glory with anyone or anything.What idols do you need to get rid of? Ask God to help you completely tear them down today. And teach your son the rightful way to value wisdom, talent, conviction, and courage in others without making an idol of them.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a simple parenting tip– take some time to relax with your boy. Pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker says that most parents don't realize the importance of “doing nothing” with sons. Even if you only have ten minutes, invite your son to sit down on the front porch with you with his favorite snack or drink. Don't badger him with questions, check your phone, or start lecturing. Simply sit together. Dr. Meeker says this is important for several reasons. It communicates that rest is an important part of life. It shows your son that he's worthy of undivided attention. And it's also an excellent way to get your boy to start communicating his thoughts and feelings. All of those benefits– and you get a short break, too. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Winston Churchill, British prime minister during World War II, said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”And yet, some in our society are trying to change history, to make it conform to their political, social, and anti-Christian beliefs.Don't let unbiblical ideology distort our American heritage. Remind your son that this great nation was founded on biblical principles. Principles like freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.Unfortunately, our nation is increasingly atheistic, in part, because they don't understand God's story—or you might say, His-story—as communicated to us in the Bible. As a parent, teach your son both His-story and history. In this way, you'll help your son be better prepared for eternity. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is TV teaching your son about masculinity? One study about male representation in TV shows studied 25 shows, over three thousand characters, and over four hundred episodes. Researchers found that, across the board, the male characters usually displayed the same negative traits– unhealthy coping mechanisms, aggression, a lack of emotion, and even a lack of care as a father. Without guidance, your son may begin to believe that these behaviors are normal and accepted in men. Make sure you put limits on your son's screen time. When he does watch a TV show, take some time to discuss the male characters and their positive and negative behaviors. Teach your son to be a mindful consumer and to filter everything through a Biblical lens. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever heard of the Discovery Channel's show Dirty Jobs? As the name suggests, in the show a man named Mike Rowe tries disgusting and dangerous occupations. He tours sewers, learns from roadkill cleaners, removes chewing gum from sidewalks, and helps exterminators. You'd think such gross content wouldn't make good television. But the show was a hit among men. Not only does Mike's investigation of the jobs appeal to our innate love of adventure, Mike also continuously expresses admiration and respect for the people who do those jobs. This show is a good reminder that every man wants to conquer a challenge and be respected. As you parent your son, be sure he has opportunities for healthy risk and challenge– even if it means he leaves muddy footprints across your floor. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son needs a gang. Every young man is asking the same questions– “who is with me, who is in charge, and what is our mission?” Unfortunately, those questions are very clearly answered in violent gangs, which is why so many young men are drawn to such groups. What your son needs is a group that can answer those questions in a healthy way. Sports teams with positive coaches can offer such environments– so can well run youth groups, engineering clubs, and outdoor adventure groups like Trail Life USA. Let your son try out a few different groups and pick one to invest in. The peer interaction, camaraderie, and structure of the group will spur your son along and give him the kind of mission he's searching for. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What makes you happy? Not just a little happy, but really happy?Maybe it's when your team wins the championship, or when you get that work promotion, or when you slice into that perfectly cooked steak.Those things are fine, but one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your son obediently follow the Lord. Third John 3:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”Walking in truth isn't accidental. It takes time and energy—for you and for your son. Set the example by making God your greatest priority. When your son sees your passion to follow God, he'll be much more likely to also walk in truth. And that will make you truly happy.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys need their mom and their dad. As a mom and dad play with their young son, the mom will remind him to “be careful.” The dad will toss the son into the air and encourage him to run as fast as he can. The boy will ignore his mom and hang onto his dad's every word. But when that little boy falls and scrapes his knee, he'll suddenly stop ignoring his mom. He'll run to her, seeking comfort. As they grow up, boys continue to need both the rough, masculine influence of their dad and the comfort of their mom. If either is missing in your son's life, pray that God will fill in the gaps with a positive mother or father figure. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's your son's default location? Jackson, a 16 year old, was tinkering on his car in the garage when his mom brought her laptop out and set up a makeshift desk. She didn't say much– just did her work and asked Jackson, once, what he was working on. When she left an hour later, both she and Jackson were smiling. She had keyed into a secret of parenting a teen boy– figure out his default location, and be there. It may be the garage, the gym, the football field, or by a gaming console. Be tactful— don't interrupt, ask annoying questions, or show up every single night. Give yourself a task and a time limit. Done in the right way, this tactic can help your teen boy feel seen and loved. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son experienced the death of a loved one? Maybe a classmate who died. Or perhaps a grandparent who suddenly passed away.Dealing with death is hard for everyone. But for kids, it's especially confusing. A common perception is that boys are tough. But the truth is, we all experience grief and heartache. It's just that we handle it in different ways.As a dad, take time to listen to your son. Evaluate what he knows about death and how much support he needs. Remember the good times with that loved one. Then provide comfort—and time to heal from the loss. Offer a hug whenever one is needed.By being there for your son when life is tough, you demonstrate—in action—your love for him.For more parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A reporter once asked John D. Rockefeller, “How much money is enough?”Rockefeller, widely considered the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history, replied, “Just a little bit more.”Sadly, Rockefeller would never have enough money to be satisfied.When it comes to our possessions, the Bible consistently calls us to be content with what God has given us. Contentment leads to thankfulness and discontentment leads to selfishness.Take time to write out all the good things that God has blessed you with. Let's set a good example for our boys by deciding to be content with God's unbelievable goodness to us.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do your kids have household chores?Some kids think taking out the trash or washing the dishes is cruel and unusual punishment. But it isn't. In fact, research shows that chores actually help kids in their physical, mental, and social development.When you give your son a job and he successfully completes it, he develops self-worth and self-esteem. This leads to confidence in knowing that he can accomplish other tasks. What a contrast to the entitlement attitude that plagues many young minds today.So do your son a favor. Find age-appropriate chores for him to work at. Not only will these chores help the house run more smoothly, but they'll also keep your son off the couch and more engaged with real life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys love toys! Some of their favorites are racecars, robots, and rockets. And (according to kids) the louder, faster, and crazier the toy, the better!As a dad, you probably don't play with toy dinosaurs anymore, but you just might have a big-boy toy like a motorcycle or boat.It's fine to enjoy toys. They can even be a way of connecting with your son. But don't let toys consume your time and attention.C.S. Lewis said, “All these toys were never intended to possess my heart. My true good is in another world, and my only real treasure is Christ.”Teach your son that even more amazing than the most extraordinary toy is the Lord Jesus. He, alone, can bring true happiness and joy into our lives.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know our homes are training grounds?President John Adams said, “Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private virtue, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.” Our homes can be training grounds for good and godly character. More than I want my children to be famous, rich, or exceptional, I want them to be good. The apostle Peter wrote, [M]ake every effort to supplement your faith with goodness (2 Peter 1:5). Culture today includes many examples of badness. I want to raise godly offspring who shine like stars for the Lord.Father figures can intentionally seek to mentor and train boys who grow in good character. That's the best way to shape a nation.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

One of life's great challenges is learning to not just go with the flow, because sometimes the flow goes in the wrong direction. We live in a day of great distraction. Because of the digital age, information flows constantly. Some say we have become the society that is looking down – always checking our phones, tablets, and devices. These tools of mass distraction can cause us to miss important things in life. Many families cannot sit through a meal without everyone checking their phones. As father figures, let's encourage and set an example for our boys to not always be tied to an electronic device. We can spur them on to play outdoors, read a good book, or build something with their hands.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

John Wesley, a famous 18th century preacher, said, “There is no such thing as a solitary Christian.”As parents, we want to raise our kids to love the Lord and be responsible adults. But challenges from the worldly culture around us make parenting tough. Sometimes so tough that we grow discouraged when we don't see immediate results.When you feel this way, remember that parenting isn't a solitary process. That means you don't have to go it alone. A variety of Christian resources are available. Church staff as well as family and friends are often willing to help out when they know there's a need.Raising boys isn't for the faint of heart. That's why Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you manage your time properly? In the craziness of normal everyday life, it's easy to lose track of time.Perhaps your son starts school at 8 am. You've got a work meeting at 10 a.m. Soccer practice begins at 3:15 in the afternoon. And, of course, there's church, piano lessons, and dozens of other activities that you and your family participate in.The question is, are you punctual or persistently late? Don't let tardiness become a habit. Figure out how much time you need to prepare and travel to your destination. Organize your schedule so that you arrive on time, even if hiccups occur along the way. By managing your time, you teach your son dependability—an important character trait that will help him thrive throughout life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Remember this famous quote?“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” President John F. Kennedy during his inaugural address in 1961.As Christian men trying to raise godly boys, our mantra should be, “Ask not what God can do for me; ask what I can do for God.”It's natural for us to think about ourselves first and not what we can do for God and what we can give back to him, including our time, talents, and treasure.As the Bible says, you must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a cheerful giver.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Successful living involves risk-taking.Over 300 people rejected Colonel Sanders' special recipe for Southern fried chicken before he received a “yes.” Today, because of his persistence, KFC boasts 20,000 restaurants in 125 countries. We are wise as parents to instill in our boys the value of adventurous living. When we do, we cannot control the outcome. But we can control ourselves.We can make taking risks a healthy part of our family culture. We can encourage our boys to try new tasks, sports, instruments, and friendships. We cannot create risk-free lives for our children. That world doesn't exist. What we can do is teach them the value of trusting God, not always playing it safe, and enjoying the process. For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you break your own rules? You no doubt have rules for your son– like no texting while driving, and no procrastinating on his homework assignments. But if your son constantly sees you breaking your own rules, he will struggle to have respect for you.  Of course, your boy does need to know that parents have more authority than kids. But, to the best of your ability, demonstrate the good habits you want your son to have– for instance, put your phone down while you drive and don't procrastinate on your chores. And when you inevitably mess up— try to be a good example then, too. Demonstrate asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility for your mistakes. Your son will emulate you far more than he listens to you. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Want to make a powerful imprint on the lives of children?I believe the most powerful method the Lord gave parents to influence our children is the simple practice of family worship. In our sophisticated age, we may forget the spiritual power of opening the Bible, reading it to our families, and leading in prayer. God made it simple: pick up the Word, share it, and lead others to the throne of grace. Charles Spurgeon said, “If we want to bring up a godly family . . . let us seek to train them up in the fear of God by meeting together as a family for worship.” Let's be on the alert, parents and mentors, to impact our families for the Lord Jesus.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is it attention deficit disorder– or dad deficit disorder? In his book Raising Boys, Steve Biddulph tells a powerful story about a dad named Don. Don's son was diagnosed with “attention deficit disorder.” This was years ago, before ADD knowledge was so widespread, so Don misunderstood the diagnosis. He thought it meant that his son simply needed more attention. When school was out, Don started taking his son with him on his truck driving routes. Within months, his son showed remarkable behavior improvement– and even came off his ADD medication. Many ADD diagnoses are very legitimate. But it's likely that your son is also deficient in attention from you. Take some time today to put your phone down and give your boy some quality time. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What will you leave to your children and the generations that come after you?The saying, “You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,” is a poignant reminder that you can't take anything with you in death, but you can leave something behind by how you live.Your children are watching you and learning from you day by day. Are you leading them closer to Christ or further from him?Teach them about Jesus by how you live for Him, and you will leave a lasting legacy.Remember what British missionary C.T. Studd wrote in his famous poem, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past” — only what's done for Christ will last.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can we instill integrity into our children?Teach them that we always live in God's presence.  Jesus is always in the room.As a family, read books or listen to radio theater stories of godly people like Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Corrie ten Boom, and William Wilberforce, for example. Discuss lessons from their livesChildren need to feel valued as they learn to speak truth. If parents immediately berate a child if they share a differing opinion from their own, children will subtly learn to mask some truth. No better training exists than parents living lives worth replicating.  Those little ones see us day in and day out. May our children find us to be people of integrity – the real deal on the inside.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.