Raising Godly Boys Minute

Does it ever seem like your son just doesn't listen to you? Well, you may actually be right. Studies have found that boys are worse listeners than girls. Males only process information with one hemisphere of their brain. They also hear high frequency sounds– like a mom's voice– at significantly lower decibels. Here are some tips to help your son be a better listener. First, minimize distractions, like turning off the TV or phone. Secondly, speak in short sentences, and make your main point clear. Lastly, encourage your son to “overlearn.” This means teaching him a similar concept over and over again in different ways, even after he understands it. And, of course, praying for patience and perseverance for yourself will not hurt, either. For tips and ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Batman struggles with being obsessive. Iroman has a problem with arrogance. And the Hulk…well, I think you can guess what his character flaw is. We never say a superhero isn't super just because they have issues. So why do we as men think we cannot be good mentors, just because we aren't perfect? Forty-three percent of boys today are raised by a single mom. Seventy-eight percent of teachers are female. So many young men have no examples in their life showing them what it means to be a man. Take some time today for a young man in your life. Invite him on a hike or a fishing trip. You don't have to be perfect. To that boy, you will be a superhero.To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

I will make a bet that your cell phone is within reach right now!The first cell phone weighed 2.4 pounds and was larger than your head. That's definitely not something you'd want to carry in your pocket. Fortunately, today's cell phones are much smaller and lighter. They allow us to quickly talk And text each other. And yet, despite the extraordinary technology within a cell phone, these devices often hinder communication. You've seen it—family members sitting beside one another staring at their phones. We're so plugged into these devices that we lose contact with others. the very thing the devices were created for!Don't let that be you. Sure, go ahead and use technology, but don't let it replace face-to-face communication. The more you talk and laugh with your teens, the more they'll want to put down their phones and share life together with you.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you hanging on …too tightly?In 1956, Jim Elliot was murdered by Indians in the jungles of Ecuador. Newspaper reporters wondered why this missionary would risk his life for uncivilized Indians. Though Jim Elliot died at only 28 years old, he had a proper perspective of life. He said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”Too often, we hold tightly to possessions and activities that hold no eternal value. Don't make the mistake of clinging to things of insignificance. Teach your kids through your example to give your time and talents to worthwhile causes. That may seem hard at first, but as you make God a daily priority, your possessions and activities will come into proper focus.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Microwave much?In today's society, we expect immediate results. When we try something new, we want instant success. But life doesn't always work that way. Sometimes life is hard and tough. Sometimes failure crashes over us like an avalanche. During these times, it's easy to grow discouraged. Maybe even angry.But if you are wise, you'll use times of fatigue, frustration, and failure to teach your son important lessons about grit and determination. And guess what? The more your son sees you rely on God as you work through trials and challenges, the more he'll understand that God provides the strength to continue on. It's great when failures transform into Immediate successes. But it's even better when your son grows spiritually by seeing your faith in action over time.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com. 

“Trust your instruments.” This mantra is repeated all through flight school. While flying, it's easy to get disoriented visually, especially in thick fog. Pilots must learn to trust their gauges, not their vision. Boys today are also “flying through fog,” so to speak. In the confusion of cultural relativism and gender fluidity, young men don't know where they are or where they are going. So they often choose their own course, or refuse to move at all. As parents, we must help our son gain a solid foundation and understanding of God's Word. Involve your boy in organizations that are founded on Biblical truth. Help him find a positive, godly mentor. And encourage your boy to memorize Scripture– the only “instrument” that will never fail him. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In 2010, a man named Forrest Fen buried treasure in the Rocky Mountains, and published a book with clues to its whereabouts. Thousands went searching for it. Four men even died during the hunt. Finally the box was found in 2020. I don't think it's a coincidence that most of the people who embarked on that search were male.  From the time we are very young, boys love a good challenge. If young men are under-challenged, they will rebel, resist, or become apathetic. Others will turn to a virtual world they can conquer. Today, be sure your son gets some real-life adventure. Not sure where to start? Tell him to put down his controller and get outside. Who knows– there may even be buried treasure in your backyard. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In 1899, an inventor put batteries in a tube and created a portable electric light. There was only one problem– the light would only stay on for about three seconds. The device did not sell well, and people jokingly called it a “FLASH light.” Today, of course, the flashlight is a household staple, with some models staying lit for at least 50 hours. As the parent of a teenage boy, it's easy to feel like that inventor. Your son may only behave or listen for brief “flashes” at a time. But let me encourage you–continue to be as consistent as you can with your discipline. It may be hard to believe, but someday, your boy will be a light. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A college student accidentally solved an impossible math problem. George Dantzig arrived late to class to find his peers working silently on several math problems written on the chalkboard. George worked through the problems and turned his paper in. Later, he learned that one of those problems wasn't homework after all, but was an equation that mathematicians considered unsolvable. George solved the problem, simply because he didn't know it was supposed to be impossible. There's a lesson here for us as parents of boys. In a society that's increasingly negative towards men, let's be positive about the dreams and aspirations our sons have, even if they seem a little far-fetched. Who knows what they can accomplish if they live by Luke 1:37- With God, nothing is impossible. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Cultures all around the world have rituals to signify a boy becoming a man, and they range from straightforward to extreme. Some societies have young men go on a hunt. In one small country, a boy participates in a primitive form of bungee jumping. In another, he must successfully jump over a cow to prove his manhood. Others simply send their sons into the wilderness to survive. Although those rituals sound bizarre to us here in the US, our boys still desperately need challenges to build their maturity and self-confidence. One way to do that is to get your son outside! Activities like mountain climbing and archery are excellent opportunities for your son to gain life skills and feel like a true man. To learn about the 5 Critical Needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the day your son took his first step? Perhaps he had already been standing for a few weeks while holding onto the couch. But at some point, he took a wobbly step toward your outstretched arms. You clapped and cheered and gave him a giant hug. Learning to walk is a key milestone in a boy's physical development. But learning to walk worthy is just as important for a boy's spiritual development. If your son has accepted Christ as his personal Savior, teach him to honor the Lord through his words, thoughts, and actions.Colossians 1:10 is an excellent verse for you and your son to memorize together. It reminds us to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him . . .”To learn about the 5 Critical Needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys love action and adventure. That's why paddling a canoe across a lake or along a river is a time-tested way to exercise their minds and bodies. But have you ever heard the phrase “Up a creek without a paddle”? It refers to being in a difficult or dangerous situation where you can't get yourself out of the problem or predicament.As your son grows up, don't let him be stranded “Up a creek without a paddle.” Trials and challenges will try to sink his boat. Turbulent waters will try to knock him off course. But by teaching your son how to manage stress, learn new life skills, and seek God's guidance, you'll prepare him to navigate choppy waters to reach the shore of success. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Trust your instruments.” This mantra is repeated all through flight school. While flying, it's easy to get disoriented visually, especially in thick fog. Pilots must learn to trust their gauges, not their vision. Boys today are also “flying through fog,” so to speak. In the confusion of cultural relativism and gender fluidity, young men don't know where they are or where they are going. So they often choose their own course, or refuse to move at all. As parents, we must help our son gain a solid foundation and understanding of God's Word. Involve your boy in organizations that are founded on Biblical truth. Help him find a positive, godly mentor. And encourage your boy to memorize Scripture– the only “instrument” that will never fail him. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What does a cactus have to do with your son?The saguaro cactus is an amazing desert plant. It stretches high into the air like a telephone pole, reaching heights of 40 feet or more.But did you know that this colossal cactus grows slowly? It isn't unusual for it to be 2-inches tall on its 10th birthday. Soon after, the saguaro begins growing faster and keeps up this steady growth until eventually towering over other cacti species.Maybe your son is like the saguaro. Maybe he's a slow learner at home or at school. Sure, it's fine to get your son extra tutoring help, but it's important to realize that we all have different rates of physical, mental, social, and even spiritual growth. The key is to continue growing—little by little and day by day.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do YOU feel about … puzzles?When putting together a 500-piece puzzle, you don't normally complete it all at one time. You work on it a few minutes here and a few minutes there. But gradually, the pieces start coming together until—at long last—you see the entire puzzle in all its glory.Too often, we expect our children to mature faster than what is realistic. We wish to see the entire picture of their youth from the very start. But the growth process doesn't work that way. God's picture for our children's lives is assembled one piece at a time. Clear communication fits into instruction, and quality time fits into encouragement. As we rely on God for guidance, He transforms the pieces of our children's lives into a beautiful masterpiece.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How's your balance? And I'm not talking about your checkbook!In June of 2012, Nik Wallenda walked from the United States' side of Niagara Falls to the Canadian side. Sounds easy, until you realize that he walked high above the raging waterfalls on a 2-inch tightrope. Even though Wallenda held a 40-foot balancing pole in his hands, gusts of wind and swirling spray made the long crossing mentally and physically exhausting.At times, parents feel almost as much stress as a daredevil on a tightrope. We have to balance jobs and home responsibilities with our children's academic studies, sports programs, and other activities.When you start feeling off balance, remember Ecclesiastes 3:1. It says, “To everything there is a season.” This reminds us to take one task at a time, and to rely on God for continued strength and balance.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What do Grammy-award winning artist Jay-Z, former President George Washington, and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps all have in common? All three men were raised by single parents.  Today, about forty percent of boys are also raised solely by their mother– an epidemic that continues to grow. If you're one of those hero single parents, do not lose heart. God sees you and knows the challenges you face. If you're not a single parent, look for young men in your life who need a father-figure. A game of catch, a fishing trip, or encouragement from the stands at a track meet can make a life-changing difference. Who knows? You might just be cheering on a future music star, president, or Olympic medalist. To learn about the 5 Critical Needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A battle rages—and boys are on the front lines. They are daily bombarded by anti-Christian philosophies:Relativism—disrupts truth and biblical morality,Humanism—teaches that a person must depend on himself, not God, if this is true, then why do we even need God?And evolution—teaches that we evolved by mere chance, the very existence of a loving Creator is ridiculed.Don't let these worldly philosophies destroy your son's faith in Christ. Teach him to stand on the solid Word of God.Training your son in today's secular culture isn't easy. It requires time and attention. Learn about a Proven Process that can help you accomplish this. Visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com for free downloadable resources.

When you were a kid, did you ever play with transformers? Boys love the way those cars and trucks transform into really cool robots. Plus, the storyline of Autobots battling it out against the evil Decepticons is exciting.You probably don't play with transformers anymore, but in some ways, you're still like a transformer. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Are you teaching your son to stand strong against the world's deceit? Victory over evil is only possible when we allow the Lord to transform our hearts and minds. So, how's that transformation process coming along? Take time today to pray and read the Bible with your son. Together, you both can transform into something extraordinary.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever walked across a rickety bridge and wondered if it could manage the weight?If you are carrying something heavy that fear can be very real.Carrying truth can be like that. Especially when you are carrying truth to a boy.Make sure the bridge -- your connection to that boy -- is strong enough to carry the weight of that truth.The reality with boys, particularly teens, is that simply telling them the truth isn't enough. You've got to have a connection -- a bridge -- strong enough to carry that truth for the truth to have its full impact, otherwise, you are just breaking bridges.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.

Everyone loves a good comeback story, so here's one for you– paper maps are making a resurgence! With digital maps built into many of our cars, you would think paper map sales would continue to fall. But people are realizing that print maps are more helpful than GPS when you're trying to learn the best way to navigate a new area. This concept reminds me of why young men today so desperately need male mentors. Sure, your son can observe successful men on social media or on video. But in order to understand what it means to be a man, an in-person, dad-like figure in his life is the map that every young man needs.So, make sure that boy has a mentor? And get a paper map!Now if only I can figure out how to fold the thing!To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Sit still!”These words are a death sentence to a little boy's morale. There are times when boys need to sit still, like at a dentist's office. But much of the time we demand they sit still for our convenience, not their good. At home when families read or at school during lessons, boys are told to bottle up their God-given energy and focus. They run the risk of getting in trouble when they don't. This is unfair, especially in light of simple solutions.When you read with your son, let him fidget with something or even pace the room. If he can't sit still, take him outside a few minutes to play and try again. Don't demand their attention without giving them an outlet for their energy.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ahhh … vacation!Do you remember the last time you went on vacation? Before leaving, you probably spent time thinking about what clothes and other items you'd need at your destination. Then you probably gathered all those things together and packed them into a suitcase.On this journey called parenthood, it's even more important to bring everything necessary. Begin by packing love. Next, fold in joy. After that, squeeze in humor, laughter, and a bunch of fun. And, of course, don't forget to include patience, gratitude, and forgiveness. This is just the beginning. Make sure you come up with your own packing list as you journey through the hills and valleys of parenthood.To help you along the way, Trail Life USA has fun and exciting programs that are helping boys grow into godly men. For more information, visit RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Fore!If you've ever played golf, you're probably familiar with the term “mulligan.” That's a fancy word that simply means “do-over.” If you're on the tee and you slice the ball off into the trees, you might shout, “Mulligan!” You're basically saying that you want a second try.Wouldn't it be great if you could get a parenting “mulligan” every once in a while? Maybe you chose your favorite TV show over spending time with your son. Or maybe you reacted impatiently during a moment of frustration.Even though you can't have a parenting do-over, you can always start fresh from where you are! The key is to purpose in your heart to do a better job, and then ask the Lord for strength and wisdom to follow through.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Parents, have you been there?Your son has tears in his eyes as he shows you that he got another “D” on his math test. You start explaining why perseverance is important, but his eyes glaze over. You decide to try a different approach. “Son, did I ever tell you about the two classes I failed in middle school?” Your boy raises his eyebrows. You've piqued his interest. It's easy for us as parents to try lecturing to get our points across. But when Jesus walked on earth, he didn't give long speeches. Instead, he told stories. Use the same strategy with your son. When he's discouraged, recall a struggle you overcame when you were his age, and share that with him. You just might teach him a lesson he will never forget. For more ideas for raising boys to be Godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son is enjoying a day kayaking down a river. Suddenly, he hears rushing water, and sees rapids up ahead. His heart beats fast, and he begins to paddle forward, right into the waves. In life, watching your son head straight into challenging territory can be a frightening and stressful experience. But there's a reason God wired boys to crave adventure, excitement, and risk. Child development specialists have found that taking risks is an essential part of growing up, and gives boys excellent coping skills, self confidence, and the ability to fail well. So don't be afraid. Equip your son with knowledge, say a prayer, and let him paddle forward. On the other side of those rapids is an amazing opportunity. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever heard the phrase “match the hatch”? It reminds fishermen that the best way to catch fish is to figure out what the fish are eating. But did you know this concept could help you get your teenage son involved in church, too? Pay close attention to what activities your boy is drawn toward the most. Does he love music and playing an instrument? Encourage him to get involved in the church praise team. Is he into skateboarding? Search for a local Christian skater group. Does he love the adventure of video games? Get him involved with Christian outdoor groups, like Trail Life USA. Don't pull your son away from the things that interest him– instead, “match the hatch” and find a Christian community related to his favorite activity. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's something you'll rarely hear shouted during a major league baseball game: “Great call, ump!” Even the best, most experienced umpire will face constant criticism, taunting, and ridicule for every decision. Spectators only talk them if they are angry about a call that was made. Consider this. Does your son feel like an umpire in his everyday life– constantly surrounded by criticism? At school, is he teased by his friends? Do his well-meaning teachers focus on the problems he missed? At home, do you remind him of the chores he didn't do and the vegetables he didn't eat? Make it your goal to verbally affirm your son for the things he's doing well. He needs that affirmation more than you probably realize. To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The baseball hall of fame is full of failures. Consider Joe DiMaggio, one of the all-time top hitters. His batting average was .325. But even that great statistic means that Joe failed to hit the ball almost 70% of the time. Unfortunately, in our society, boys do not receive the same margin for error. Young men naturally develop slower than their female peers, in both academics and emotional intelligence. But that is often ignored by educators, and boys are quickly labeled “slow” when they simply need more time to develop. Let's be like the baseball hall of fame. Let's focus on the good, give lots of grace for failure, and celebrate each successful hit our boys make in life. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The player stands at the free throw line, preparing for a critical shot. He takes a few seconds to adjust his arms and his feet. He knows that the only way he can make this shot is if his whole body is in perfect alignment. For your son, life is the same way. The only way he can succeed  is if his beliefs about himself are aligned with the ultimate truth of God's word. This can be tough, in a society of gender fluidity and cultural relativism. Regularly discuss with your son what God's word has to say about current events. Memorize scripture together about his identity in Christ. And pray for godly, positive male mentors to inspire him and show him what a life aligned with Jesus looks like. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son proudly shows you a new scrape on his knee, reporting that he had a bike wreck while riding down a hill. You grab a bandaid and shake your head. It's your son's fifth injury of the week! How can you keep him safe when he seems to crave and seek out risk? First, encourage him to focus on one or two skills, like skateboarding or snow skiing. Secondly, enroll him in classes so that he learns how to minimize injuries. Of course, don't forget the helmet, elbow pads, and prayer of protection. And lastly, remember that taking risks is actually crucial for your son's brain development. Try to relax. Oh– and buying bandaids in bulk might be a good idea, too. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Getting your young son to sit still for a church service, car ride, or class in school can be a challenge. But one school in Texas doesn't have this problem. Why? Well, they've tripled recess time. During the school day, the kindergartners and first graders at this school get four, 15 minute recess breaks outside each day. The teachers say the kids are more attentive than ever, and many have even decreased symptoms of ADHD. So if your son seems grumpy and uncooperative today, why don't you try a different kind of “time out”? Take a jog with him, ride a bike, or find interesting leaves and flowers. Time outSIDE, letting your boy be a boy, can turn his whole day around. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

There's something you can do as a family that can increase your son's attention span, improve his vocabulary, foster deep conversation, and even boost your happiness as a parent. Sound good? Here's the catch– your son may roll his eyes at first.I'm talking about reading out loud as a family. Your son may think he's too old for it now, but researchers have found that the benefits continue even as children become preteens or even teenagers.  Find a compelling adventure book and read a chapter a night together. A good place to start is your local Christian bookstore, which may have some fiction books your son will find exciting. Pop some popcorn and settle on the couch with your boy, and you both will reap the benefits of reading aloud. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Your son is delayed.” Those words can fill you worry and even some fear as a parent. But did you know that your son may be perfectly normal, and the system may be incorrect? Researchers have found that boys' brains develop more slowly than their female peers' brains. The public school system doesn't often take this into account, and a student's success is measured by standardized tests. This is also true when it comes to behavior. As a result, many boys are labeled delayed when it comes to emotions or intelligence, when, in reality, they will catch up in due time. Don't lose heart. And don't forget to take your worries to God. Your son is perfectly and wonderfully made. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Breakfast. School. Homework. Dinner. Does your son seem bored or disengaged in his day to day life? Here's a simple way to add adventure, spontaneity, and excitement to his life: Get him outside! Nature can actually change your son's brain for the better. Studies have found that when someone regularly spends time outside, essential regions of the brain, like the hippocampus, grow and retain more gray matter. This makes it easier for your son to pay attention, learn, and remember things. Start simple. Get a baseball and play catch in your backyard. Look online to find a bike trail or body of water. Your boy will feel more satisfied with his life, and as a bonus, your relationship will most likely improve. To learn about a Proven Process to raise godly boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

His superman cape flies out behind him majestically, and he lifts his arms. “One, two, three!” Your five year old jumps off the swing set. A short time later, as you drive him to the emergency room with a broken arm, you wonder, “Why in the world did he do that?” As parents, we remind our kids to be careful, but the truth is that boys don't just want risk… they need it. Risky play helps your son learn to deal with nervous feelings, adapt to new situations, and improve his gross motor skills. So what are some examples of safe risky play? Being in the elements and near fire or water. Games like hide and seek. Riding a bike fast. Just don't forget to pray for courage…for yourself, of course. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com. 

“Take out the trash. This is the fourth time I've told you,” you tell your son. Your son says “What? I didn't hear you.” Here's a fact that may not surprise you:  boys are biologically wired to be bad listeners. Studies have found that, when a boy and girl hear the same sound, the boy will hear it 10 times quieter than the girl will.  This is especially true if it's a high frequency sound, like a woman's voice. Since 78% of teachers are female, it's no wonder that boys are falling behind girls academically. So what can we do as parents? Give our boys grace. Explore alternative learning styles. And yes, we may need to ask several times for the trash to get taken out. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

There's a bunch of excitement in the rocket industry. SpaceX and other companies are building gigantic rockets. They're even planning Mars missions.But before a rocket ever leaves the ground, there are countless hours of building and programming. Every part of the rocket is checked and double checked to make sure it's ready for liftoff.Before your son heads off for college or moves away for work, it's important to prepare him for that big day. Make sure he has everything he needs to accomplish the mission of honoring the Lord with his life. And don't forget: That building process begins years before liftoff.Carefully and strategically train your son when he is young. That way, when he is ready to launch out into the world, everything will go smoothly.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

During the California Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of prospectors panned for gold in mountain streams and riverbeds. But those prospectors who spent time, sweat, and effort digging into the earth were the ones most likely to strike it rich. Discovering a single vein of gold was worth way more than hundreds of gold flakes from the river.Help your son strike it rich in terms of godly character. Show him—through personal example—how to dig deep into Scripture. It's there that he'll discover the incredible treasures of service, commitment, and integrity. Remember: the more your son understands the value of honoring the Lord with his life, the more he'll want store up treasures in heaven—where thieves will never break in and steal.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember your son taking his first steps? No doubt you had already been holding his hand—and helping him take one step in front of the other. But eventually, the day came where he climbed to a stand, and took those first few steps all by himself. You cheered with joy and excitement.Even though your son is no longer a toddler, continue to train him to walk in righteousness. Psalm chapter 1 provides excellent teaching. Show your son how to delight in the Lord and not to pursue a path of the selfishness and pride. Proverbs 22:6 says,“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.

If you plan to go skiing, you wear ski boots. If you're heading to the beach, you wear sandals. For a quick jog around the block, you wear running shoes.You select your shoes based on the type of activity. Similarly, when training, correcting, or playing with your son, it's vital to select the appropriate tone for the task at hand. It's also crucial that you understand your son's personality so that you can most effectively connect with him. At times, you may need to choose a serious tone. Other times, a light-hearted attitude is most appropriate. There's no “one-size-fits-all” type of parenting. Understanding your son takes effort. But the more time and attention you devote to him, the more prepared he'll be for life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever broken an arm? Depending on the type of break, the doctor might have needed to set the bones straight before placing your arm in a cast. That cast kept your arm protected so that the broken bones could grow back together.If your relationship with your son is broken, you also need to set things straight. Take time to allow the relationship to heal. This may require a season of rest and extra attention. You may need to cut out other activities so that you can devote extra time to helping the relationship rest and recover.A broken relationship hurts. But by taking immediate steps to help it recuperate, you and your son will grow closer together, and—in time—stronger than ever.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever watched a stunt driver race his motorcycle up a steep ramp and into the air? Maybe he did a double backflip with a bunch of twists and turns. Those crazy stunts require an incredible about of control. If the stuntman were to leave the ramp at the wrong angle, he'd land off target and experience an awful wipeout.To succeed in life, your son also needs to be in control. Because boys are usually impulsive, self-control is one of the hardest lessons for them to learn. But a little self-control goes a long way in helping him steer through the twists and turns of life. So teach your son the importance of self-control. The more self-control he has, the greater his chance of soaring high in life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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.