Raising Godly Boys Minute

How can we parents create margin in our families to build unity? Play games together. Make a collection of board games. Develop the habit of occasionally clearing the table for game night. As children get older, families can invest in games that take longer to play. Playing board games allows for lots of interaction and often leads to laughter!Read to your children. Build the expectation into your family that everyone should be readers. Provide age-appropriate material for your children. The local library is a wonderful resource that can be used again and again. There is a time to say, “OK, we've watched enough television, and you've spent enough time on electronics. Let's spend some time reading?”We are making choices today that will affect our children tomorrow.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do we raise servants?Children learn how to serve others in part by watching adults serve.  Serving others includes stepping up to the plate and stepping out to meet needs. An older pastor said, “When our children were young, I pastored a small church with no other children or activities. My kids were part of starting new groups, ministries, and opportunities. None of that was handed to them. Today, as adults, they are leaders and servants. I think being required to serve at church made them the people they are today.”We should look for ways to teach children to serve.  We remember Jesus said He came not to be served but to serve.  They are people who don't just watch what's happening. They make things happen.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

We can learn something valuable about our sons from Peter Pan. In her book Boy Talk, child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch makes an observation about the Lost Boys in the story of Peter Pan. These boys are seemingly living the dream. They have no parents, and no school–  just adventures all day long. But interestingly, they still long for one childhood comfort– the bedtime story. As your son grows up, it's important that you let him be a boy. But even while he's pursuing his masculine tendencies, don't forget that he needs emotional nurturing, too. Take a few minutes for a hug– or sit and eat a snack with him. Your “lost boy” may not admit it, but he still needs those moments in the midst of all of his adventures. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can we raise boys who love adventure?Here are a few simple ways to encourage boys to not always play it safe but develop their God-given spirit of bravery:Encourage outdoor family activities that involve a healthy level of risk.  Whitewater rafting, tubing on rivers, and waterfall hiking are a few.  Selectively allow children to oversee their own projects.  It's messy and not “perfect,” but they can own it.Enjoy adventurous yard toys like zip-lines and trampolines.  We can't always play it safe!Plan vacations to new places.  Try different cities, restaurants, and entertainment.  As God shapes the lives of our children, He can use the raw material of learning to take risks and mold them into people who change their worlds!For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the song “He's Got the Whole World in His Hands”?The song's lyrics talk about God, saying:He's got the wind and the rain in his hands.He's got the little, tiny baby in his hands.He's got you and me, brother, in his hands.He's got you and me, sister, in his hands.He's got everybody here in his hands. The Bible says God holds on to us with his “righteous right hand.”This image shows us God's power – and our utter helplessness and dependency on him. But you have no reason to fear because of God's promised protection.So, while things may get messy and scary, you can rest assured that God will always hold you in his hands.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son able to “blend” his emotions? When going on a hike, you bring along a bar that contains a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, since your body needs  different nutrients to stay healthy. In the same way, Child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch says that healthy development in boys includes teaching them that they can feel seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. For instance, when your son is sad about not making the soccer team, he may also feel relieved that he will have more free time. Or when he's angry at his dad, he still will feel love towards his dad at the same time. This “blending” of emotions doesn't come naturally, but is an essential skill that you can teach with some simple intentionality. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What are you most afraid of?According to a 2014 Washington Post article, fear of public speaking was America's biggest phobia, with 25.3 percent of the people saying they were afraid of speaking in front of a crowd.A 2022 study listed “corrupt government officials” as Americans' biggest fear.With the world seemingly spinning out of control, we can easily allow fear and anxiety to paralyze us.While some fears are justified, we cannot let them to rob us of the peace God provides.Remember the charge that Moses gave to Joshua: “You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).No matter what you are facing, don't focus on your fear. Instead, focus on God's promises, provision, and power. He is faithful!For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son struggle in math class? Did he miss the big play on the sports field that would have won the game?Failures and fiascos will trip up your son. You wish he'd only see success, but that's unrealistic. Even when we try our very best, disappointment and discouragement can still strike. And when it does, your son may experience frustration and exasperation. These are normal human emotions, but we don't have to give in to them. Instead, remind your son that failures don't define who he is. If he has accepted Christ as his savior, he is a child of the King. Because of that, your son is of incredible worth to God. And that's way more important than any school grade or sports event.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How big is your dream for your son?Pat Williams, co-founder of the Orlando Magic, writes that a “vision is a glowing word-picture of a desirable and optimistic future.” As parents, we can paint that portrait for our kids, conveying that life is more than just existing, paying bills, and managing problems. God created them and has a deep interest in their lives. Boys need heroes – more than just movie and music stars. Parents, familiarize your family with stories of noble heroes. Read biographies, watch movies and documentaries, and hear radio dramas of missionaries, statesman, inventors, Presidents, and soldiers. Visit historic sites and homes of great Americans. I want to instill a life-long desire for excellence and possibilities.  For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What comes to mind when you see these three words? “Some Assembly Required”For many parents, these words bring back memories of a painful process of reading instructions, sorting through parts, and putting everything together — all under the watchful eye of your child as he waits with anticipation to play with his new toy. Following instructions can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it will save you time and frustration in the long run.Just like following instructions is a proven process for assembling toys, Trail Life USA has a proven process for growing boys into godly men. In a culture lacking any clear vision of positive masculinity, we must provide boys with a template to follow.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever tried putting something together without looking at the instructions?I heard about a man who did this once with a wagon his son got for Christmas. Unfortunately, he put the wheels on wrong. Each time he pulled his son in the wagon reminded him that he should have read the instructions first.Thankfully, God has given us instructions to follow in his word. The Bible is God's big instruction book. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.” (2 Timothy 3:16)As you're seeking to raise godly boys, continually point them to the wisdom found in God's owner manual for life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How are you doing with your new year's resolutions?Every year many people resolve to exercise more and eat healthier.The Bible tells Christ-followers to take care of their bodies. “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” First Corinthians 3:16-17Along with our physical fitness, you also need to train our spiritual muscles. It takes work, but it's the most important exercise you can do.“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” First Timothy 4:8For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are men inherently bad? Of course not. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created both male and female in His own image. But there's a troubling narrative in our society right now that masculinity is toxic. So how can we as Christians fight this damaging idea? First, we can affirm, not punish, the natural masculine traits that appear in our sons– such as being high energy and risk seeking. Second, we can help our sons find positive dad-like men as examples. And third, we can keep an open line of discussion going with our sons about how masculinity is portrayed in music, TV shows, and social media. Being a man can be difficult in this day and age. Let's show our sons that God made men for a divine purpose. To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son experiencing “sideways” emotions? In her book Boy Talk, Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Andrew. Andrew had suddenly started having headaches and stomachaches. His parents were baffled because– although they had gone through a difficult divorce a few years earlier– things had since settled. Dr. Polce-Lynch figured out that the physical symptoms were a delayed reaction to the divorce. She patiently helped Andrew work through the emotions he had long buried. If your son has unexplained physical or behavioral issues, consider that he may just now be coping with a stressful event that happened before. Prayerfully offer him grace, patience, therapy, or simply time to work through his complicated emotions. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you teach your son empathy? Start by modeling this skill in your own life. If the grocery store checker is rude to you, when you get in your car, say out loud to your son, “I wonder if that checker is having a bad day, and dealing with some tough things!” Help your son do this too. If he mentions someone at school who he doesn't get along with, ask, “How do you think that person is feeling?” If your son says he doesn't know, encourage him to guess. Remind him that people who hurt others are often insecure or fearful. You can also memorize verses together about empathy, such as Phillippians 2:3- “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.” For more ideas to raise godly boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever seen your reflection in one of those silly circus mirrors that make you look super short or extremely skinny? Some mirrors can even make you look upside down.Although we're not at a circus or looking into a strange mirror, today's culture sometimes makes us feel as if we're living in an upside-down world. That which is good is put to shame. And that which is evil is paraded with pride. The result is that kids are left confused about what's actually right or wrong. When complex cultural issues arise, open the pages of Scripture and show your kids what the Bible says is right and wrong. In this way, you'll help your kids understand that God's Word is an infallible mirror … our perfect source of truth.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who is the most generous person you know?You may think you have to be rich to be generous, but that's not true.Mother Teresa said, “It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”God is our model for generosity. You cannot outgive God. He freely gives and lovingly provides for his children. God will give you what you need out of his infinite riches.In gratitude for everything God has given you, you should be generous to him and others.Remember 1 Timothy 6:18 and teach your children to “be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Crowds follow individuals who communicate well. Every business, church, school, or ministry needs such people. Help your kids know how to speak well. Create opportunities for them to stand in front of other people and speak about anything. Ask your six-year-old to stand in front of the family at night and talk about his favorite super-hero. We can also challenge boys to write clearly - to present an idea and support it with evidence. We live in a day where the battle for culture rages around who controls the flow of ideas. Help your children know how to open their mouths and communicate verbally. Talk about great ideas in your home, and challenge your children to learn to communicate those ideas.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know what the letters WWJD stand for? You'll find the acronym on everything from bracelets to T-shirts to key chains. The letters stand for, What Would Jesus Do? This phrase reminds Christians to put Jesus first in all that we do. As parents, we need this reminder, but so do our kids. And the best way for them to learn this is to see it demonstrated in action.So the next time you're faced with financial stress, work problems, or a health crisis, take a moment to sit next to your son and go to the Lord in prayer. When your son sees and hears you ask the Lord for help, he'll understand that WWJD is more than a bumper sticker. It's a way of life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

While on a road trip, have your kids ever whined, “Are we there yet?” When the journey is long, we grow impatient. We want to arrive at the destination as fast as possible. And if roadblocks make us veer off course, we grow frustrated. Sometimes even angry.The same is true in the parenting journey. Our children are maturing socially, mentally, and spiritually—but sometimes not as fast as we'd like. We want them to develop responsibility as quickly as possible, but then we grow impatient whenever a detour sends them off track.Avoid unreasonable expectations. Realize that your son's developmental process takes time—and that's okay. Instead of constantly wishing he were already at the destination, take time to enjoy life's journey with him. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of American kids live without a father or father-like figure in their homes. You heard that right. On average, 1 out of every 4 kids doesn't have a dad to give them piggyback rides, help them with homework, or tuck them into bed at night. That's tragic!If you have the privilege of being a dad, make sure to be there for your kids. Don't just live in your house. Make that house a home where smiles abound, and laughter is loud. And if you know a boy who doesn't have a father who's around, include him in activities with you and your son. Your actions may be small, but they just might make a world of difference to a lonely kid.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When your son was young, did he ever point at someone in a wheelchair? Do your older kids whisper about the new kid who stutters or has a deformity?Teach your kids never to make fun of someone with a handicap. Because we live in a sin-cursed world where physical and mental handicaps exist, these handicaps make life really hard for these people. As Christians, we can't make those handicaps go away, but we can show courtesy and compassion. Teach your son to hold the door open for someone in a wheelchair. Teach your kids to listen patiently to someone who stutters. By helping your kids treat people kindly, they'll focus less on the handicap and more on the person's personality.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you a fraud? Do you act one way at home and another way at church?More than ever, teenagers connect with people who are authentic in their motives and genuine in their behavior. As a parent, your son sees you at your best, but also at your worst. When you realize that you aren't displaying the attitude and actions of a Christ-follower, the most difficult—and yet most meaningful—thing you can do is admit your faults. Explain to your son that shouting or losing your temper wasn't the right way for you to respond to frustration.Admitting your faults won't make your son respect you less. In fact, the opposite is true. Being authentic and genuine will make him see what a great dad he really has.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The land of the free and the home of the brave.What a great country we live in. The freedom we get to experience here in America was not cheap to attain. Many people gave all for the liberty we have.Jesus also gave everything for us to be free. The salvation He provided by dying on the cross is free, but it isn't cheap. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.John 8:36 says this, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”Take time this Independence Day to remember the price paid for you to live free in this country, and also remember the price your savior paid for you to be free from the penalty of sin. It's definitely a reason to celebrate and give thanks!(135 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.

Does your son have a nickname? Many kids do. Some nicknames like Ace or Champ are fun and cute, while others like Rooster, Zippy, and Waffle usually come from some hilarious event or personality trait.Nicknames are common, but there's a nickname that only your son can call you. That's the exclusive name of Dad.It isn't by accident that God gave you to your son, and your son to you. In his all-knowing wisdom, God placed you both together. As a dad, you have the responsibility of raising your son properly, but you also have the incredible joy of seeing him grow and mature into a man. Never forget the privilege of being a dad. Count your blessings and name them one by one.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do you like your eggs prepared? Scrambled and sunny side up are the most popular, but some people like them hard boiled or over easy.Just as there are many ways to cook an egg, there are also many ways to discipline your son to correct wrong behavior. Of course, you wish discipline were never necessary, but that's an unreasonable eggs-pectation.When your son blatantly disobeys, don't let his behavior eggs-asperate you. Set an eggs-ample by remaining calm. During these difficult moments, eggs-amine your words and actions to make sure they are motivated by love.Although discipline is never fun, it's sometimes necessary. The goal, however, is to teach your son right from wrong. And as he learns this, eggs-cuses will transform into eggs-cellence of character.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you have a kindergartener, have you taught him to drive yet? If you have a teenage son, are you giving him tummy time?Of course not, but in the busyness of everyday life, you might forget where your youngest and oldest children are in their developmental process. Understanding the specific age and stage of each child is vital in seeing where he's come from … and where he still needs to go. So, if you're treating your kindergartener like a teenager, or your teenager like a toddler, reevaluate your expectations and instruction. Because each child is unique, don't compare one child's progress to another. As always, ask God to give you wisdom in guiding your children in becoming mature, responsible, and godly adults.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The human eye is incredible! Even though it has over two million working parts, it's the fastest muscle in the body. It also distinguishes millions of colors.And yet, our eyes often miss what's most important in life. When your son is on the soccer field, are you watching, or are you scrolling through social media on your phone? Can you detect when your son is frustrated, or do you not even notice?To connect emotionally with your son, begin by turning your eyes upon Jesus. When you do this, your role as a father will come into proper focus. But don't delay. In the blink of an eye, your son will be grown and out of the house. Influence his life right now while there's still time.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you have a problem, do you usually ask for help or try to figure things out on your own?One hindrance to the power of God in our lives is our unwillingness to reach out to him for help and trust him to meet our needs.“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7We limit what God wants to do for us when we don't trust him to meet our needs. What if we put our complete trust in God for everything we need? He wants to take care of and bless his children. The question is: Are you willing to receive his blessings?For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When have you felt a “healthy fear”?While working with electricity, you should have a “healthy fear” of its power and take the proper safety precautions.The Bible talks about having a “healthy fear” of the Lord. The all-powerful and all-loving Creator of the universe fully deserves our fear and respect.Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”Fearing God gives us the foundation to face all our other fears.When you or your child is afraid, ask God to allow it to draw you closer to Him. You can face your fears confidently, knowing God is greater than all your fears.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What does it mean to “guard your heart”?Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”This proverb is written by a father to his son, but the instructions apply to everyone — no matter their age.Your heart is the source of your thoughts and feelings. Guarding your heart requires keeping your focus on the things of God. So many things in our world can pull our hearts away from being focused on God.Remember Philippians 4:8 and “fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does anyone like to suffer?The apostle Paul knew a lot about suffering. He suffered beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks. In Colossians 1:24, Paul said he “rejoiced” in his sufferings. What? How could he rejoice in suffering? Because God used it to advance the gospel.Paul also pointed out that suffering strengthens our perseverance, character, and hope.Most of us have little experience with real suffering. We don't even like minor inconveniences like waiting in a long line.No matter your circumstances, God has a purpose and plan for your life.Let's ask God to help us see and teach our boys the value of suffering for His kingdom's sake.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever had a divine encounter with someone who came into your life at just the right time, and you knew it was a “God thing”?I heard about a family that had a flat tire at Christmastime. They pulled into the closest repair shop they could find. The technician who came out to help them was named “Emmanuel.” He agreed to fix the flat even though the shop had just closed. Every Christmas, this family tells their “Emmanuel” story as a reminder that God is always with us.God orchestrates every meeting you have with someone for a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is life-changing; other times, not so much. But they are all divine appointments.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you find yourself playing the comparison game, comparing yourself to others?If so, you need to remind yourself of this truth: You are created uniquely by God — “fearfully and wonderfully made.” There isn't another person in the world like you. It's a message we share with our kids regularly but don't apply to ourselves enough. When we fail to remember that God has created us uniquely and has a specific calling and purpose for our lives, we are tempted to compare ourselves to others. We justify our actions by thinking, “At least I'm not as bad as that person.” When we stand before God, he will not ask us about our neighbor's actions. We will only answer for ourselves.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do the things you say build people up or tear them down?Our words have more power than we realize.Proverbs 15:4 says, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”King Solomon, who wrote much of Proverbs, points out the pain caused by our hurtful speech. Harsh words cut deeply, and their damage is long-lasting.On the other hand, Solomon also points out the power of our positive words. Most of us are not doctors, but our speech can heal and give life. It can infuse others with renewed courage, faith, and hope. God, help us to honor you with our words by offering hope and healing to the people around us.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's love got to do with it?Well…quite a lot. Jesus spoke about love often and at one point was quoted as saying, “love your neighbor as yourself”, which was a reference from Leviticus 19:18.But how do we do that? There are many people who do not love themselves or see the value God has placed in them. How can we properly love others as ourselves when we despise ourselves? In order to love others well we must love who God has made us to be. Then we will have the confidence of the Father's love and affirmation in our hearts as we love others through Him.Take some time today to reflect on how great God's love is toward you and how valuable and special you are to him. Then look for ways to spread that love to your family and others.(145 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.

Have you ever ordered a product through Amazon Prime? If so, you're not alone. Over 50% of American households have a Prime membership. From toys to tools, and from shoelaces to shampoo—people love Amazon because of the HUGE variety of items they sell.But there are some things you can't buy at Amazon.com. You can't buy your son a hug. You can't order him a hearty laugh for $19.95. And you can't purchase fun outdoor memories with him that will last a lifetime. Amazon sells over 12 million products, but they can't deliver your son the joy he'll experience wrestling with you in the living room. The relationship you have with your son is one of the most priceless things in all of life. Make it count. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys sometimes get hurt. That's a fact. But when your son cuts a finger or scrapes a knee, what do you do? If the cut looks dirty, dabbing iodine on it will keep infection away. Even though the antiseptic stings, you know it's for your son's own good. You want him to heal.The same is true in parenting. At one point or another, you'll have to correct your son when he lies, cusses, or misbehaves. Punishment is never a fun thing—for the child or for the parent—but it's necessary for healing and growth. Proverbs 22:6 provides valuable advice. The verse 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.

Father's Day has been ranked towards the bottom in popularity among the top 15 national holidays. Why would that be?Father's Day can be a difficult day for many people because of traumatic experiences we've had with our fathers. Dads play a very important role in the lives of their children and when you do not have that person in your life in a healthy way, it can affect you in many ways.One of the most important roles of a father is affirmation. Affirming your children, especially your sons,  that they are special, loved, and have a purpose is vital. Hearing the words, “I love you and I'm so proud of you.” Is so necessary to emotional growth, yet many people never hear those words. If you are a man, take time today to pour into your son. take another step and speak into the life of a boy who doesn't have a godly dad. Tell them who God says they are. You will change their lives.(157 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.

Nathan was going to buy a motorcycle– at age 15. He wanted the bike to ride it to his job at a pizza shop. HIs parents told him it would be too dangerous, and suggested a car, instead. Nathan rolled his eyes.  But one day, Nathan announced that he was going to buy a car, instead. His boss at the pizza shop said a motorcycle would be too dangerous. Nathan's parents glanced at each other, and smiled in relief. Steve Biddulph tells this story in his book Raising Boys to illustrate that while your teenage son may not listen to you, he will listen to other adults. Pray and take intentional steps to make sure your son has positive, godly men in his life to point him in the right direction. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a simple way to boost your son's development today. Researchers have coined a term called “joint attention sequences” to describe what happens when you make a connection with your son. This can happen when you look him in the eyes, laugh when he makes a joke, read stories with him, or praise him for an accomplishment. In his book Raising Boys, author Steve Biddulph says these sequences are more than just moments of delight– they are crucial for your son's development. Studies have found that, especially when your son is a baby and a toddler, these moments actually help a growth hormone to flood his brain and develop it. So today, put your phone down and give your son focused, intentional connection. His growing brain will reap the benefits. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

As a parent, you want to give your son the world. But of course, time, resources, and energy are limited. When you have to tell your son “no, I can't play with you right now,” or, “No, we can't buy that toy right now,” you may feel guilty. But don't feel bad. Even God, our perfect Father, often answers our prayers and requests with “not right now” or “no.” As you teach your son to wait, you teach him patience, self control, and the value of working towards something that you want. Maybe things are tight financially for your family right now. If so, remember– you are still a good parent. By not giving your son everything, you're shaping his character– and that's a gift that will last a lifetime. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you were a kid did your parents warn you not to look directly into the sun because it could damage your vision?When you stare directly at the sun—or other types of bright light such as a welding torch—ultraviolet light floods your retina, literally burning the exposed tissue.However, there is a Son we need to continually look at — the Son of God, Jesus Christ.“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:2Teach your son to keep his eyes on the living Son of God.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You glance at the clock. It's 9:17 a.m. “Hurry up!” you holler from the kitchen. “Church starts in less than 15 minutes!”Your kids dash from room to room, grabbing their Bibles, their shoes, and maybe even a Pop-Tart. Then you're out the door and in the car. Yet despite your best race car driving skills, you're late to church—again.Can you relate to this? Do you find yourself constantly late to work, medical appointments, or other activities? Even though life is busy, make punctuality a priority. Show your son, through action, how to organize his time. Of course, this isn't easy. But through careful planning, you'll demonstrate that preparation helps life run more smoothly. Plus, when you're on time for church, all the back pews aren't already taken.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you get anxious?Like a fisherman who continually casts his line in search of the big catch, we are called to continually cast our cares and concerns to God.“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7There are many things for us to be anxious about.. And anxiety among kids is on the rise, affecting nearly one in 10 children. Make sure you are tending to the cares of your kids, and helping them cast their cares on him.We would be wise to remember Jesus' question — can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Worry won't change our past or future, but it can ruin the present.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is a phobia? It is an irrational fear of something that's unlikely to cause harm.There are over 400 recognized phobias out there. Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing. This condition seems to be widespread among middle school and high school boys. :o) Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. But fear can also be unhealthy and dangerous. The Bible talks about the “fear of man.” This manifests itself when we crave acceptance from our peers and fear rejection. The Bible says that fear of man is a dangerous trap.Don't let fear rule you and your child's hearts. Instead, remember that “the Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever woken up from a long night of sleep and still felt tired?According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours a night. But even getting enough sleep isn't enough to be fully rested.As parents, we can quickly become overburdened, overwhelmed, exhausted, discouraged, and restless.Let's take Jesus up on his invitation in Matthew 11:28-30:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Practice resting in Him. And teach your son to do the same!For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Kids love playdough. They squeeze it and stretch it. They roll it into skinny snakes and smoosh it into wobbly clumps.As parents, we sometimes feel like playdough. We get squeezed for time and attention. Then we get stretched this way and that way. We feel smooshed and squooshed by the demands of life.When the routines of parenthood feel overwhelming, realize that you're not alone. Because you are in God's hands, He is shaping you into His likeness, forming your character into a useful masterpiece.Kids make wild and wacky objects with playdough, but in the master Sculptor's hands, your parenting efforts are being transformed into something beautiful. So, don't give up. That squeezing and stretching is just part of the process.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son play a musical instrument? Maybe the piano, trumpet, or violin?The process of learning how to play an instrument is a lot like parenting. It requires patience, persistence, and a passion to improve. During the parenting process, mistakes will inevitably happen. Improper technique may cause squeaky notes. Your instruction may fall flat or be off key. And despite your best efforts, your guidance may not be properly choreographed.When this happens, don't get discouraged. Through consistent effort, prayer, and love, you'll make progress. By tuning your heart to the rhythm of your son's personality, you'll experience the melody of fellowship. And when you and your son are in sync, harmony within the home will crescendo into his growth as a godly young man.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You're a parent inside the walls of your home. But what about outside those walls? Of course, your primary obligation is to parent your own son. But, for better or worse, your son's friends and peers can have a greater impact on him than you do. So how can you positively influence the whole group? It's as simple as being involved in your community. Volunteer at church to teach Sunday School. Coach your son's soccer team. Join a big brother/big sister program. Or you could even volunteer to be a Trail Life USA leader. You don't have to be perfect to positively influence the next generation of men. You just have to show up and show love not only in your home, but outside of it. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know that Michael Jordan, considered by many to be the greatest basketball player ever, missed 12,345 field goals in his Hall of Fame career?He said, “I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Wayne Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer, put it this way: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.”In today's culture, risk and competition are often removed from boys' environments. They lose interest when there isn't anything at stake. So, they think, “Why should I try?”As parents and mentors trying to raise godly boys, we need to provide challenging opportunities that let boys fail, recover, and eventually succeed.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.