Raising Godly Boys Minute

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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