How does a boy know he is becoming a man?

Sometimes, life tells them along the way.

Late in the dry summer, Robert looked out his back door, and saw smoke billowing across his property. A growing fire crawled across his neighbor’s pasture, and threatened to roar into the woods on his land.  He yelled for his two boys, 12 and 15, threw rakes into the truck, and drove toward the fire.

Jumping into action, he and the boys beat back the flames, creating a firebreak and saving the woods - and the elementary school on the other side.

Grimy, exhausted, thirsty, and hearts racing with pride they performed a man’s work that day, those two boys knew they were becoming men.

For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What does your son think about his looks?

The media has been focusing a lot on a positive body image movement for girls. But it’s easy to forget that our sons can also feel pressure from peers to have a “perfect” body. How can you help your son have a healthy body image?

First, and perhaps most importantly, get your son involved in outdoor physical activity. When he’s with friends, sweating, competing, and having a great time, he’ll feel good physically. Second, refrain from making comments about his body, whether good or bad. Compliment character traits instead– like how he prayed at dinner or how he was patient with his sister. And finally, memorize verses together about our intrinsic worth in Christ– the true source of ultimate confidence.

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

In a time when boys are struggling to know their purpose and identity, look to the beautiful story of Christmas.  

First, Jesus’ time on earth gives young men guidance. Jesus embodies Biblical masculinity. He  loves, heals, delivers, and sacrifices. 

Second, the Christmas story grounds boys. In our society where everything is fluid, the absolute truth of God’s word gives young men a foundation to stand on. 

Thirdly, the gift of Jesus Christ proves everyone’s infinite worth. 

And finally, the Christmas story is inspiring. Boys always want to know what’s at stake– and the life and death of Jesus proves that laying down our life for others is the greatest call. 

May these days of the holiday season remind your son– and you– to thank God for the amazing gift of redemption through Jesus. 

To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is celebrating Christmas really important?  Does it matter?

Today’s world seems ready to tear down any tradition that reinforces Christianity, family, and morality.  For our children, this can lead to confusion and despair.

The simple act of celebrating Christmas, decorating and cooking special food, helping kids choose gifts for family members, anticipating the big day, and spending time together all reinforce the love of family.

Explaining the reason for Christmas does even more–it points to God, and the good news that his son Jesus loves us all.

So enjoy this Christmas, and know that you are giving your children more than the presents under the tree.  You are mentoring them in how to create a loving family, how to give of themselves to others, and teaching them about the love of God.

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What sets a boy's heart on fire?

Whether it's beating the next level, winning the next game, or paddling around the next bend, boys love a challenge.  And more than that, boys need a challenge.

Put a group of boys in canoes, and they will turn it into a race or a competition to turn each other over.  Send them on a campout, and they'll race to see who can set their tent up first so they can go romp in the woods.

You can let your son find his own challenges, or you can give him adventures that will build him up, create strong character, and teach him that he is an overcomer, and a force to be reckoned with.

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who are your families’ heroes?

Take time in the month of November to teach children about great spiritual heroes - and also remember some of the heroes in your own life. Don't just let these days float by as missed opportunities while the culture is already trying to make money off of Christmas. 

Redeem this time and use it as a stepping stone into the holiday season. Spend the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving learning some new spiritual heroes - and being thankful for familiar ones.

Talk around the supper table about a godly person from history.  Or, share stories from your own pilgrimage.  The website Christian History Institute is a great resource for learning about people who have gone before us. 

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Now is the best time in history to raise a boy.

Michael Reichert makes that claim in his book How to Raise a Boy. At first, it may seem like he is wrong, since boys are falling behind their female peers in almost every area.

But Reichert says those statistics are what makes it a great time. Now that we’re aware that boys are struggling, it only takes a little intentionality to help. We can make sure our boys have positive and godly mentors. We can steer our sons away from screens and towards outdoor activity. We can get our son the extra help they need educationally.

And, most importantly, we can pray to our all powerful God for wisdom, protection, and a full, kingdom building life for our sons.

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

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.

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.