The most important mark that we leave on this world is the mark we leave on our kids. Raising children is important and it’s a big part of our role as men as we lead our homes. In this episode of Locker Room, Scott starts a conversation with Nate Head, who along with his wife Stefany is raising two young men.

Even if you don’t have sons, you are a man, and today’s episode might help you think about how you were raised. If you are raising girls, a lot of this conversation can be transferable for us as dads, as long as we contextualize our situation.

 

Discussion Guide: 

1. Share one of your favorite dad jokes. 

2. What’s one of your fondest memories from your childhood? Why did you choose this specific memory? 

3. The phrase “Boys will be boys…” is periodically quoted throughout our lives. What comes to mind when you hear or see this? What are certain attributes or qualities about boys that make them uniquely different from girls? 

4. The books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel as well as some of the Psalms highlight different descriptions of David — shepherd, musician, warrior, king, and poet. Based on David’s different giftings and interests, how would you describe what it means to be a man? What is the essence of manhood? 

5. Read 1 Samuel 17:1-58 and 2 Samuel 11:1-27. These two passages of Scripture record what are arguably David’s highest and lowest moments in his life. What are the key moments that forged you into the man you are today? What did you learn?

6. Read 2 Samuel 12:24-25, 1 Kings 2:1-12, and 1 Kings 3:1-28. David’s son, Solomon, would serve as the next king and would eventually be regarded as one of the wisest people to ever live. How would you describe your relationship with your father or father figure? What values did you learn from him?

7. Read 1 Kings 11:1-6. In this section, we see the ripple effect of generational sin. Have you ever considered your father’s upbringing? How has it impacted you today?

8. Read Proverbs 1:1-9. Solomon would eventually stray far from God, but he didn’t allow it to define him. The book of Proverbs is a reflection of what life has taught him. Based on these verses, what’s the purpose of Proverbs? Why is this significant in light of Solomon’s story and David’s story? What are the implications for us? 

9. Read Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:3, and Proverbs 22:6. What’s the best piece of advice or encouragement you’ve received from another man? How have you applied it? 

10. Grab a copy of one of the following resources to read and discuss with another dad or father-like figure:

    1. Raising Boys by James Dobson

    2. Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis

    3. Every Young Man’s Battle by Arterburn & Stoker

    4. The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson