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.