Raising Godly Boys Minute

Adult life is stressful. Of course, you have more responsibility than your teen son. But consider this– you also have more freedom, more balanced hormones, and a fully developed brain. Parenting experts say that some of the hardest, most chaotic years of life are between ages 13-18, especially for young men.

Here’s the point. It’s true that your son needs discipline and authority. But don’t forget that what he needs first is love. It’s not easy being a teenage boy, especially in our current society. So the next time you are frustrated with your son, picture yourself at that age. Show him the grace and understanding you so desperately needed back then.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you had to wait for something recently, or are you still waiting?

With seven games left in the 2022 Major League Baseball regular season, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge tied Roger Maris for the American League single-season home run record.

With the world watching, Judge had to wait for five more games before finally breaking the record in the next-to-last game.

Psalm 27:14 tells us to “wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean we don’t have our part to play. Waiting on the Lord is active. It’s preparing our hearts, being ready to serve, and expecting God to provide.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What poisonous plant is easily identified by its “leaves of three”?

If you said poison ivy, you’re right! When you see its “leaves of three,” you immediately step back. That’s because nobody wants red, itchy skin covered in bumps and blisters.

In the great outdoors, it’s important to teach your son the hazards of poison ivy, but it’s even more important to teach him the hazards of sensuality. Today’s secular culture sexualizes women in movies, magazines, and the internet. For boys who want to guard their thoughts and do right, it’s a tough world out there.

Philippians 4:8 is an excellent reminder to point your son to that which is true, pure, and virtuous. In doing so, you’ll guide him away from the hazardous poisons that cause terrible pain.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?

Kids sometimes use the rhyming words as a comeback against insults. But the rhyme couldn’t be further from the truth.

Words do impact our thoughts and actions. That’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another and build one another up.”

When was the last time you wrapped an arm around your son and told him how proud you were of him? Or when did you last compliment him on a skill, talent, or accomplishment?

We all need encouragement in life. Set the example by using genuine words to build up your son. Those words may impact him more than you’ll ever know.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you have a junk drawer at home? You know, a drawer where you keep odds and ends like buttons, batteries, and blue highlighters.

Even though small knick-knacks can seem like junk, those tiny objects suddenly become super important when you need them.

The same is true in life. At some point, your son may fail a test at school or miss a crucial pass at a football game. That’s when something as small as an encouraging word or a comforting hug becomes a big deal. Those small actions take just a few seconds, but their effect may last for days or even weeks.

So remember, even though an object or action may seem small, it can still hold super-sized value.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When was the last time you looked up at the moon? It’s usually there in the night sky, but we don’t always pay attention to it.

And yet, the waxing and waning of moon phases is an important reminder that time is continually passing.

It’s one thing to ignore the moon, but whatever you do, don’t ignore your son. No matter how busy life becomes, remember to appreciate phases of growth in your son. Whether he’s an infant, toddler, preschooler, or teenager, enjoy each season of development. By intentionally investing your time and talents into your son, you’ll discover the joy of parenthood.

For a little extra help along that parenting journey, Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Learn about their nation-wide programs at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. The fact is … belly buttons look kind of funny! Some stick out like a small marble. Others curve inward like a deep cave. Some are smooth—others super wrinkly.

No matter what your belly button looks like, it’s a reminder of how your mother nourished you through an umbilical cord while inside the womb.

As a dad, you weren’t joined to your son through an umbilical cord, but you still play a vital role in nurturing him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So how are you doing with this God-given responsibility? Are you helping your son grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus?

Becoming a godly man doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistent training. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow spiritually. Learn more atRaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember learning to ride a bike? For kids, it’s a BIG deal. But learning to ride a bike takes time—maybe even a few falls and scraped knees.

Perhaps you remember holding onto your son’s bike as he pedaled down the sidewalk. But little by little, you carefully released your grip. At first, just for a second. Then, as your son developed confidence, you let go entirely.

At that point, your son’s smile probably stretched from ear to ear. He’ll never forget that victorious moment—or the fact that you were there beside him, helping him along the way.

Regardless of what stage of life your son is in, learn to carefully release your grip so that your son can ride confidently into the future.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Imagine this.

At a garage sale, you wipe the dust off an old genie lamp. Smoke pours out, then poof! A genie stands in front of you. He says, “You freed me from the bottle—I grant you one wish.”

You’re thrilled, but what will you ask for? A work promotion? A sports car? Tickets to the Superbowl?

In 1 Kings chapter 3, King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment. And God granted his desire.

As a parent, make sure you also prioritize wisdom. You can do this by taking a few minutes each day to read a chapter of Proverbs with your son. Not only will you grow together in wisdom, but your son will see that the true source of all knowledge comes from God alone.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you ever make a mud pie?

Maybe your son has. That’s where you mix water and dirt into a thick, gooey mixture. Then after slapping the mud into a hamburger-sized patty you decorate it with twigs and pebbles.

Boys still like getting dirty in the backyard. But at some point, it’s time to clean up.

As a parent, teach your son that there’s a time to be messy and dirty, but also a time to wash up and clean up. Be intentional in helping your son know how to bathe, brush his teeth, and comb his hair. Don’t just pick up his toys and dirty clothes, teach him to clean up after himself.

Through consistent instruction, you prepare your son to face daily activities with a clean slate and a clear conscience.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you have unreasonable expectations?

As a parent, you love your son and want him to succeed at everything he does. You want him to earn the highest grades in class, score the most points at the game, and have the greatest artistic talent.

But unreasonable expectations can cause frustration—for both you and your son.

Even though it’s fine to motivate your son to achieve success, be careful that your high expectations don’t cause him to become discouraged, angry, and resentful. Ask the Lord to guide you in knowing how to motivate your son. Then, as long as your son is trying his best, be satisfied with the results.

For help and encouragement along the parenting journey, check out Trail Life USA. We have fun and exciting programs that are helping boys grow into godly men. For more information, visitRaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you ever use the smiley emoji while texting?

That emoji helped launch World Smile Day, which is celebrated the first Friday in October. On that day, people are encouraged to smile at people around them.

Fortunately, you don’t need an official holiday to smile. It’s something you can do every day. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly. Health issues, work conflicts, and financial concerns may catch you off guard. Or perhaps your son discourages a smile from you because he doesn’t like the rules you’ve set in place for his own good.

Despite life’s challenges, a simple smile can keep matters in proper perspective. Not only will a smile help lower your stress level, but it’ll also show your son that God’s grace provides lasting peace. And that’s certainly something you can smile about.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you ever use the smiley emoji while texting?

That emoji helped launch World Smile Day, which is celebrated the first Friday in October. On that day, people are encouraged to smile at people around them.

Fortunately, you don’t need an official holiday to smile. It’s something you can do every day. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly. Health issues, work conflicts, and financial concerns may catch you off guard. Or perhaps your son discourages a smile from you because he doesn’t like the rules you’ve set in place for his own good.

Despite life’s challenges, a simple smile can keep matters in proper perspective. Not only will a smile help lower your stress level, but it’ll also show your son that God’s grace provides lasting peace. And that’s certainly something you can smile about.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You know that irritating song, “The wheels on the bus go round and round”?

Well, sometimes, the routines of parenting also feel like they just keep rolling along, day after day.

Wake up—get the kids ready for school—make breakfast—drive to work—finish work—help the kids with homework—and so on and so forth.

When the routines of life feel repetitive, introduce new ways to keep boredom at bay. In the car, play trivia games together. At the dinner table, tell funny stories about your childhood. Before bedtime, listen to an audiobook.

Even though life continues day after day, find ways to make the ordinary become extraordinary. Not only will this make life more fun for your kiddos, but for you as well.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Cara decided that her son won’t be allowed to have a TikTok account. Annoyed, he told her, “I’m the only kid in my class who doesn’t have one. Why don’t you let me have one?” Cara paused. “Well, why do you think I have this rule?”

“Well,” her son said. “I’ve heard about the TikTok challenges that are dangerous or illegal. So I guess I understand that part.”

Listening to her son’s points, instead of lecturing, led to a healthy discussion. Cara’s boy still wasn’t sure he agreed, but by the end of the talk he did understand the reasoning a little more. Plus, his critical thinking skills got a workout!

For more ideas for raising your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Sam asked his dad if he could quit playing the cello. Sam’s dad was surprised since Sam had always loved playing, but was discouraged because none of his friends shared that passion. Instead of allowing him to quit, Sam’s dad encouraged him to keep playing, and he helped his son find some local music groups to play in.

Years later, as Sam accepted a music scholarship to a university, he turned to his dad. “Thank you for not letting me give up.”

Extracurriculars are something you’ll have to prayerfully consider as a parent. But if your son wants to quit something you know he usually enjoys, try helping him find a new side to his existing hobby. You’ll never regret encouraging him to persevere.

For ideas for raising your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you like it when seasons change?

If you’re a parent, you know what it’s like to be exhausted. That’s because each season of your son’s life requires huge amounts of time and energy.

You may feel like your baby will never sleep through the night, or your toddler will never get potty trained, or your teenager will never stop testing your patience.

When you feel overwhelmed, take heart. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season.”

There’s a season for learning how to ride a bike, for applying Band-aids, for starting school, for sports, and for so many other activities.

Take each season as it comes. By realizing that each stage of life will soon pass, you can focus on the joys of that season instead of its challenges.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What developmental stage is your son in?

David Thomas, a family therapist, has divided a boy’s life into five stages.

Until age four, boys are in the “explorer” phase. When they turn five, they enter the “lover” stage. The third stage for our sons is ages nine through twelve– the “individual.” Next is stage four, the “wanderer.” And finally, there’s the “warrior” phrase– between age eighteen into the mid twenties.

When we as parents understand the phases our son is going through, it helps us develop realistic expectations for him. We also can give our son some grace. Remember that growing up can be difficult, and what he always needs most is a generous heap of love.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys at any stage of life, visit Trail Life USA orRaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you disciplining your son, or are you naming him?

Many parents are guilty of using phrases like this with our son: “You are so messy” or “You are so disrespectful to me.” But family therapist David Thomas reminds us that, to our boy, it may sound like we are “naming” him. And hearing those phrases can lead a boy to believe that he is simply a messy or disrespectful person.

Instead, David suggests reframing the situation by saying: “Son, I’ve noticed you’re stuck in a pattern of disrespect.” That way, it’s possible to address the negative behaviors, but we aren’t accidentally giving our son a “name” he may attach to his identity. He may behave badly, but his behavior doesn’t define who he is.

For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever strike a match?

A single match—or even a single spark from flint and steel—can start a fire. And if provided with enough fuel, that small fire can quickly grow into a large and powerful force.

The same can be said for words. A simple word of encouragement could be the spark that encourages your son to accomplish incredible things.

If your son is struggling with school or sports or social activities, give him some tips and pointers in a kind and patient way. Then, when you see progress, say, “Awesome job,” and give him a high five.

That simple act of encouragement could be the spark that prompts your son to strive for even greater success. It’s amazing how small words of affirmation can lead to big results.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.