Podcasts about trail life usa

Have you ever watched a boy turn into a man?Tony was a goofy boy that liked to chase lizards, quote movies, and prank his friends. But he was smart and kind, and the leaders in his volunteer group began to suggest roles of responsibility.Soon, he began coming up with original ideas for activities, developing new games, and planning outings on his own. As an older youth, he commanded respect from his peers and adults alike.Sometimes, a boy needs curated responsibility to learn the art of leadership and service. Look for opportunities to give your son ways to grow. He may surprise you! This world needs godly men who lead from the front.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son needs to take a walk. Walking has more psychological benefits to your son than you probably even realize. Researchers have found that the rhythmic left and right motion can actually help your boy's brain process thoughts and feelings. The physical movement can reduce his anxiety and depression, and also helps create new white blood cells in the brain which helps him think better. If your son thinks a walk sounds boring, here are some ideas: Get him a dog that needs to be taken on walks. Buy each other cheap fitness trackers, and compete for most steps taken in a day. Or, set up a reward system– maybe for every mile walked he gets a little bit of screen time. Whatever your strategy, his developing brain will benefit. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, joins Steve to discuss the mission of the nation's largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scouting organization. As the military reevaluates its ties with traditional scouting programs, Hancock highlights the growing need for safe, value-driven spaces where boys can grow, learn, and develop leadership skills. He explains how Trail Life provides mentorship rooted in faith, character, and responsibility, ensuring that young men have the guidance and community they need to thrive in today's world. Want to learn more? Visit TrailLifeUSA.com!

Are you sure your son is on the right path?Once, while teaching a map and compass course to a group of boys, the leaders began to notice that none of the boys were finding the right path.  Some were off by small margins, and some went entirely the wrong direction!  The activity was a failure, and only later was it discovered to be because of  buried power lines and water lines under the church property that were throwing the compass readings off wildly.Set your son's compass to true north.  Show him the right paths, and help him on his way to growing into a man of God.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you teach your son to be honest? To put it simply: Champion the truth. If your son makes a mistake but confesses, praise his honesty more than focusing on the mistake. And if he does tell a lie, make sure he knows he's getting punished more for the lie than the wrongdoing. It's also crucial to remember that your son is watching you closely. He will hear you lie to your boss about why you had to take a sick day. And he will notice when you compliment a friend, but turn around and insult that same friend behind their back. Ask God to give you the strength to model for your son the life described in 1 John 3:18, that loves “with actions and in truth.” For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Can you protect your son from today's toxic culture?The Bible says to “train up a child in the way he will go, and he will not depart from it.” Just like training to throw a spiral pass or paddle a canoe, training your son to avoid today's moral pitfalls is worth the time and effort.Workouts and drills are for more than the football field and the outdoors. Teaching your son that daily time with God is important for his soul, mind and body and helping him practice it day after day will give him strong roots that grow deep into good soil and can keep him anchored in the way he should go.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Would you give your son a blessing? It may sound like a strange concept, but it's  seen throughout the Bible between fathers and sons. Dr. John Trent and Dr. Gary Smalley wrote about this in their book, The Blessing. They say that most blessings in the Bible include five things, quote, “meaningful and appropriate touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment.” [end quote] Try it yourself. Before your son goes to bed, give him a hug. Tell him about his worth, his future, and your role in all of it. It may feel awkward at first, but ask God to give you the right words. I promise, even if your son doesn't seem to respond, it will mean the world to him. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you be sure your son will succeed?If you've asked this question, you're not alone.  We all want the best for our children, but how can we help them on their way?  Give your son something to aim for.  Set a target for him that ignites excitement.  Surround your son with great examples of godly character. Finding father figures and mentors to teach him, train him, and be his guide as he grows and develops strong habits of excellence is a very good start.Frank Sonnenberg says of mentoring: “You never know when you're creating a spark that will last forever.” Create that spark in your son.  Inspire him.  Give him his path to success.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son struggling in school? He's not alone. Unfortunately, many traditional schools are not set up to maximize a young man's success. First, boys are wired to be movers, so sitting all day can be a challenge. Second, boys' ears are less skilled at picking up higher frequencies, so learning from a female teacher's voice can be difficult. And lastly, boys usually develop slower than girls, so when compared to their female peers, it can seem like boys are behind. Here's how you can help as a parent– show your son grace and patience. Meet with his teacher to discuss alternative learning options. And before and after school, make sure he has lots of opportunities to get outside and “be a boy.” For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How fast can a riptide kill you?Matthew was about to find out.  Caught in a riptide off the coast, he watched the shoreline grow further away as he exhausted himself fighting against the current.  Weak and in despair, he suddenly remembered his training, and swam a short twenty feet out of the current, where he was able to float, recover his strength, and swim back to shore.Today's toxic culture wants to drag your children far away, and fighting the culture is exhausting and demoralizing.  Give them the tools to recognize the current and swim out of it, and they'll find an entire ocean ready to explore and adventure in.  You can do it.  It's a challenging task, and the blessings last forever.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Will SCOTUS Stand For Pro-Life? And Trail Life USA Stands For Boys Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can you teach your son how to have a relationship with Jesus?  A parent of a prodigal child was reflecting on his kid's growing up years, and said, quote: “I've realized that we raised our children in church, but not in Christ.” [end quote]How can we teach our boys to abide in Jesus? First, we have to make sure our own walk with the Lord is growing. Second, encourage your son to not just attend a church service, but also join a small group and serve in a ministry. And finally, let your son have his own relationship with God. He might not connect with God exactly how you do. Trust that our clever Creator will speak to your son on His own terms. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son ever wanted to be a knight?Plastic swords and armor strewn about his room, breastplate dangling from his bedpost, and picture books of Teutonic knights adorn many a boy's room.What is it about righting wrongs, defeating evil tyrants and rescuing the innocent that calls out to a boy?The Bible says, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”  God teaches us a desire to save the helpless and see righteousness prevail in his word.Affirm your son's desires to do right, to help save others and to rescue the perishing.  You may be amazed at the size of his heart for helping others.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How does a boy learn right from wrong?Sometimes, boys can learn more from our mistakes than from our teaching.  Brian had just finished teaching ax and saw safety to a troop of boys eager to build towers and rope bridges.  While loading his equipment, he carelessly tossed a saw that bounced and rolled to within a foot of the boys he had just taught about safety.Everyone froze.  They all stared as he pulled out his wood tools safety card, and handed it to the 14-year-old troop leader, who tore it up and said he would have to take the safety course again!Brian graciously accepted the consequences from a boy leader.  All the boys learned that day that real men accept responsibility.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know where the world's tallest skyscraper is located?At an incredible height of 2,722 feet (just over half a mile), Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, is almost 500 feet taller than the second-tallest skyscraper.If you want to build high, you must first dig deep and build a foundation below the surface. As a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you can help build a deep and firm biblical foundation for children. A child's foundation of faith is best built by purposefully and consistently sharing God's truths with them through what you say and do.Use the time you have with them to teach them God's Word and how it applies to their lives.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 seen good advice ignored, with hilarious results?I heard about a boy who camped with a new group of friends in a campground he knew well.  It flooded frequently, and was nicknamed, “The Swamp.”  All of the adults and other boys ignored his advice to camp on higher ground, and they pitched their tents in the easy, sandy soil.Finding the highest ground, he slept through the night to the lullaby sound of rhythmic drumming rain, and woke to find the camp a wet, soggy shambles, while he was high and dry.Many times, easiest is not best, and it is good to listen to the voice of experience.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's an idea to connect with your son: show him your high school yearbook. First, let him make fun of your outdated haircut and clothes. Show him the picture of your basketball team, and the page where it says you were voted class clown. Next, show him pictures of your friends. Talk about what friendships ended and which ones have lasted through the years. And finally, talk about the power of choices. Be honest about what you're proud of and what you regret. Share about your relationship with your own parents at that time. Show your son how God used both the good and the bad for His own glory in your life. After all, as the verse in Revelation reminds us, we overcome through the word of our testimony. For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why is there an attack on biblical manhood?All around us, the very idea of a man as a devout father, provider, and hard worker is ridiculed and torn down.  A spineless, conforming, weak-willed androgyne is modeled, and we are told to sacrifice our sons to modern culture.How can you keep your son safe from these attacks?Model godly character.  What he sees in you, he will follow.Provide godly mentors.  Show him a standard he can trust and hold.Give him a challenge.  Overcoming small challenges like a canoe trip, daily spiritual disciplines, a rock-climbing adventure, or a mountain peak will give him the confidence to go against the grain and become a godly man of character.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“In a thousand feet, turn left.” Imagine that you're driving in a town you've never visited before. The GPS on your phone is telling you what turns you need to make.  But suddenly, your phone's battery dies. Without your GPS, you feel lost, alone, and you wonder if you'll even make it to your desired destination. That “lost”  feeling is what many young men experience in our society today. In the confusion of cultural relativism, mixed roles, and gender fluidity, boys don't know who they are supposed to be. The solution is that boys need two things– a biblical foundation, and godly mentors. With those two things, boys can develop confidence and direction, so they can learn to navigate the unfamiliar interstate of life. For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why do boys love adventure?Mark Twain said, “There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life that he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.”The search for adventure drives some boys to video games, where they can conquer kingdoms and gain virtual accolades.  Others find their adventures in sports.But deep down, the call of the woods, the wild, the mountains and the seashore live deep in all young boys.You can feed that desire and strengthen the bond with your son at the same time.  Take him on a wilderness adventure, or hike to a waterfall, or camp in the woods by a crackling fire amidst the lightning bugs.  Lead him on his adventure!For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Doesn't it seem like the more you want your son to talk, the less he will?Of course, some boys are talkative. But generally speaking, your son is not going to volunteer a lot of information about his day. One reason is biological. Males have fewer language centers in their brain than females, and process things internally. Your son may also feel the pressure from you to share, and is backing away because he feels like he just isn't going to be able to give you enough.Here are a few ways to get your son to open up. First, try shoulder-to-shoulder instead of face to face communication. Some boys relax more when they're walking or sitting beside you in a car, and share more. Second, allow silence. You may just be talking too much yourself. And third, lower the pressure and lower your expectations. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What makes worship, worship?Jesus defined worship for the Woman of Samaria at Jacob's well in John 4:23 and 24. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”We should teach our children to worship God wherever they are, not just at church.What matters most in worship?  The posture of our hearts and minds. He should be our focus. Locations and details change, but He is eternal and unchanging.Let's lead our boys to worship God “in spirit and truth.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In this conversation on the Homeschool Dad Series, Mark Hancock tackles the rising tide of challenges facing boys in modern society, offering a powerful call to action for parents and leaders. He breaks down the alarming statistics—including boys’ growing academic performance gap and their disproportionate representation in special education—and identifies the crisis of absent father figures and the damaging cultural narrative of “toxic masculinity.” Mark emphasizes that boys are desperately seeking a legitimate path to manhood and positive male leadership. This episode is an essential listen for anyone committed to equipping the next generation of men with the courage, character, and mentorship they need to thrive and reverse this dangerous cultural trend. Men’s Challenge: Commit to a simple, intentional activity with your son that models biblical manhood and builds lasting memories. Plan an adventure. This doesn’t have to be a big trip. It could be as simple as an afternoon hike, a fishing trip, building a fire in the backyard, or even learning a practical skill together, like changing a tire or using a power tool. The goal is to get away from the distractions of everyday life and into a different environment. Key Takeaways: The Crisis of Masculinity: Boys today are struggling in an environment that often labels their natural draw toward risk, competition, and activity as “toxic” or disruptive, leading to disengagement and confusion about their identity. Academic and Developmental Lag: Statistics show boys are falling behind girls in nearly every academic category, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities, and are less likely to enroll in or complete college. The Father Figure Gap: A significant number of boys lack an active father figure in the household, creating a severe need for positive male mentorship to provide essential guidance, values, and character formation. A Call for Intentional Mentorship: Dads and “dad-like figures” are crucial. Boys require Christ-centered, male-centric leadership and mentorship—delivered through real-world examples and adventure—to help them find their identity and embrace the virtues of godly manhood. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Trail Life USA or find a troop in your area You can find more of Mark Hancock’s insights into what it takes to raise boys to become godly men in this video: Raising Boys to Become Godly Men | Mark Hancock, CEO Trail Life. Hear Mark Hancock at Teach Them Diligently 2026 Don't forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

If you ask your son what it means to be brave, what would he say? Your son would probably answer that bravery is entering a dangerous situation or saving  someone's life– and that's true. But in this day and age when depression and suicide rates of teenage boys are at a crisis point, your son needs to know that there's another way to be brave– asking for help. Give your son small exercises in asking for help in everyday life– with his homework, with his chores, or at public places. Model getting help when you need it yourself. And when your son comes to you with a problem, be sure to listen with a nonjudgmental attitude. Remind him that even the Savior of the world– Jesus– cried out for help to his own Father. To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Where should a boy turn to when he needs wisdom?Today, through the internet and other sources, there is more information available than ever before.But the best source of information and wisdom is found in a book written thousands of years ago — the Bible. The book of Proverbs is especially powerful when it comes to seeking wisdom.We often think we need a “life hack” to navigate life's most difficult situations. But all we need is God's Word and His Spirit living in us.If you or your son needs wisdom today, turn to Proverbs and ask God for His help. He delights in giving it in abundance.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a startling statistic: The average iPhone screen time for an adult in the United States is around seven hours each day. But the average amount of time a parent spends with their child is only about two hours a day. Here are some screen-free ideas for connecting with your son today. Make banana splits with your boy. Build a lego garage for his cars. Campout in the living room. Have him help you make a family photo album. Find a nontraditional holiday online, and celebrate it together. Turn on some music, and find different things around the house to drum on. Whatever it is, put your phone down and spend some quality time with your son today. You will both enjoy the benefits. For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember when someone gave you bad advice? Did you take it? If so, what were the results?When seeking advice, who or what can you trust?The most trustworthy source of truth is the Bible. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.The best first step in all situations is going to God and asking for His guidance. Seeking advice from family, friends, co-workers, pastors, counselors, and others isn't wrong, especially from fellow Christians who know the Word.But seek God first and teach boys to do likewise, making sure that any human advice agrees with the Source of Truth, Jesus Christ.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

His face was shattered– and so were his dreams. When James Clear was in high school, he had big plans to be a baseball star. But one day, he was hit in the face with a baseball bat, and suffered a brain injury. That's when James discovered a powerful concept. As he recovered, he began to hone in on the small habits in his life, then started to work on his baseball skills again. Years later, James made ESPN's All-American player list, and now credits the small habits for the reason for his success. Share this story with your teen boy today. Remind him that the little, monotonous habits– like making his bed– are really a training ground for challenges he'll face later in life. For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you hear voices?There are many voices in the world competing for our attention, but none can compare to the voice of the Lord. God speaks to His children, sometimes audibly, but mostly through His Word, the Bible.Are you listening for and to God's voice? Or are you letting worldly voices silence Him?How can you recognize God's voice? In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me.”God's voice will never contradict His Word. And when we hear God's voice, we need to obey Him.Let's teach boys to recognize and heed God's voice before any other voices.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Rachel's six-year- old son loves to play t-ball. He admires his coach and enjoys carrying around his bat. But there is one thing he loves more than anything else– his bright green uniform. There's a reason for this. As young men grow up and learn to navigate social settings, they are always asking three questions– “Who is with me?” “Who is in charge?” And, “What is our mission?”On sports teams, the uniform is a symbolic answer to those questions. In life, it's not always so clear. It's up to us as parents to help our son find positive peers, such as in a church setting; introduce him to godly mentors and dad-like figures; and remind him to live for an audience of One– and glorify his Creator. For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the last time your child lied to you and how it made you feel?According to research, parents are the primary victims of lying, with 86 percent of lies being told to them.Kids often believe they are clever enough to fool their parents, but fathers and mothers usually see right through their lies.Parents are not as easily deceived as children think. Most of the time, the truth is clear and will come out sooner or later.We should remind our children that God is omniscient. He knows everything we say and do. Telling the truth may be hard sometimes, but honesty, truly, is the best policy.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Do yourself a favor. Take a kid fishing.” That's a quote from a man named Frank White, who produced a show called Southern Sportsman. He would say those words at the end of every broadcast. Psychologists would agree with his suggestion. Fishing gives your son an opportunity to be outside, practice problem-solving skills, and connect with others. One study even found that combat veterans who went to a fly fishing retreat slept better and showed less symptoms of stress. It's fairly easy and cheap to get started. Many public libraries have rods and reels to check out for free. Go to your state's game and fish department website and find a local body of water. Then, cast a line out with your son, and  marvel together at God's amazing creation. For more ideas to raise boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you tell if someone needs encouragement?If they are breathing, according to Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A.Children can easily and quickly become discouraged, especially when tired or stressed, and become negative, self-critical, and depressed.The Bible mentions “encouragement” a lot, including Hebrews 3:13, which tells us to “encourage each other daily.”You can create an encouraging environment for your loved ones by building up and encouraging them more than criticizing and correcting them. Kids will know it is OK and safe to make mistakes and learn that God can use their failures to help them grow.Parents should be their family's CEO — Chief Encouragement Officers.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your teen boy is going through a lot of changes. You might need to change a bit, too. Of course, the fundamentals of godly parenting and discipline will stay the same. But as your son matures, it's important to take a step back and prayerfully consider that a change in approach may be helpful. For instance, a teen boy will most likely pull away from his mom and gravitate towards his dad. This is normal and healthy, and experts say to encourage that relationship. Many high school boys are also extremely hard on themselves and sensitive to criticism, so be sure to ramp up the encouragement and empathy. And finally, teen boys are dealing with a lot of hormones and emotions. Encourage your son to pursue healthy outlets, especially outdoor physical activity.To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you heard the saying, “Life is better together”?The Bible puts it this way in Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.Here are five ways you can live out being better together as a family.Read together. Read the Bible and other books as a family.Learn together. Share what God is showing you as read His Word. Talk together. Talk about what God is doing in your life.Pray together. Thank God for all He's done for your family and pray for your family and other people.Memorize scripture together. Like the psalmist, let's hide God's Word in our hearts so that we will not sin against Him. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What can you give your children and grandchildren that won't cost you any money and will last forever?Parents and grandparents who teach their children and grandchildren to know, love and follow Jesus will leave a spiritual inheritance that will last for generations and into eternity.Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”Have you encouraged your children or grandchildren to follow God? Do you pray for them to know and love Him? If you do not have children, are there any kids in your church or neighborhood for whom you could regularly pray?For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“What does successful parenting look like?”If you ask a group of parents this question, you would get a lot of different responses.Most parents want their kids to graduate high school and college, get a good job, get married, have children, and live “happily ever after.”As a parent, you can easily become focused on worldly success and helping your kids achieve the “American Dream,” but that's not the goal in Christian parenting.Your goal should be to raise your kids to know, love, and follow Jesus!If you raise your boys to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength, you have achieved parenting success.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you heard this saying? “Don't major in the minors.”We can easily get distracted in life and become consumed by things that don't really matter.Jesus often condemned the Pharisees for this type of behavior, giving them a stern lecture in Luke 11:42.“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”Let's ask God to help us teach our boys to focus on the things that matter most: loving Him and loving our neighbors.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What should you do when your son disrespects you or someone else?Try to resist the urge to reprimand or correct him in public.When you are in private, calmly tell him that while you are sad that he chose to show dishonor or disrespect, this is an opportunity for him to grow, and you hope he will make a better choice the next time.Then be sure to commend him the next time you see him showing honor and respect.Remember that the best way for children to learn the value of honor and respect is to see you live it out, especially during disagreements.Values are indeed more caught than taught.Let's follow the Golden Rule by treating others the way we want to be treated.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In his book Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson compares parents of sons to a bug called a processionary caterpillar.  A scientist once tested these caterpillars by making them walk in a circle, with a food source in the middle of their circle. The caterpillars just kept following each other, instead of stopping to eat, and eventually died of starvation, right next to a food source. Dr. Dobson says parents of sons often follow other parents in the same way. They put their son in lots of activities, trying to help him keep up with his peers. But in reality, most of the time, what boys really need is to stop, take a rest, and connect with the source of true life– our Creator God. For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You know who needs to see your mistakes? Your son. That's right.When you miss a work deadline or hurt a friend's feelings, let your son know. If handled properly, it can be a great training ground for your son. First, manage your emotions. If you're embarrassed or angry, take a deep breath or go on a walk to calm down. Next, explain what you did wrong. Share with your son how you're going to fix the problem, and what you've learned for the future. The world desperately needs your son to grow up to be a humble and responsible man. The best way to encourage that is to model it the best you can. Your transparency  will not only combat perfectionism— you'll also remind him that God's grace is sufficient for all of us. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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