Today’s boys seem busier than ever. They dart from one activity to another, and yet remain confused and unguided. Why is that?

Consider, for a moment, the Falcon 9 rocket. It launches astronauts into space at more than 17,000 miles per hour! But if the rocket doesn’t go the right direction, the mission is doomed.
That’s why guidance and navigation systems are so important. They keep the rocket steady as it soars toward its destination.

As a parent, are you providing your son the guidance he needs to grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually? By spending one-on-one time with him, you show him—through action—how to soar toward success.

To learn more about growing boys into godly men, download the free ebook Raising Godly Boys: A Proven Process at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues of boys today. But why are boys so afraid?

First, society has made a sport of putting men down. Many women think that in order to be empowered, they need to prove that men are beneath them.

Second, our enemy, Satan, knows that if boys believe they are weak and not needed, they will not accomplish God’s purpose for their lives.

As parents we must be counter-cultural. Find something positive to compliment your son on, and remind him of how valuable he is. Remind him of what God says in Isaiah 41:13- “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says, do not fear.”

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

It’s a tough world out there for boys. Research shows that they’re often unguided, ungrounded, unappreciated, and uninspired.

Part of the reason for this is that, in the name of progress, the value of manhood is being discounted. In fact, the term “toxic masculinity” is used to shame people into thinking that gender differences are bad. But they aren’t.

God designed boys and girls to be different from one another. Understanding this helps us realize that boys need male role models in their lives. It’s not enough just to be a dad. We need to demonstrate—through action—what a real man of courage, service, and leadership looks like. This begins by spending quality time with our sons. Are you doing this?

To learn more about growing boys into godly men, download the free ebook Raising Godly Boys: A Proven Process at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How much have you thought about brains lately?

In a typical male brain, neural connections go from the front to the back, while in a female brain the processing goes side to side. Boys also have more gray matter than girls, and scientists think this is why boys often excel at subjects like math, while girls enjoy language and arts. And since your son’s prefrontal cortex is bigger, he is more likely to deal with emotions analytically.

But even if you understand the science of it all, your son’s behavior may still baffle you. When it does, say a prayer, and know that God created every neuron in your son’s mind. He will give you the wisdom you need.

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

Does it ever seem like your son just doesn’t listen to you?

Well, you may actually be right.

Studies have found that boys are worse listeners than girls. Males only process information with one hemisphere of their brain. They also hear high frequency sounds– like a mom’s voice– at significantly lower decibels.

Here are some tips to help your son be a better listener. First, minimize distractions, like turning off the TV or phone. Secondly, speak in short sentences, and make your main point clear. Lastly, encourage your son to “overlearn.” This means teaching him a similar concept over and over again in different ways, even after he understands it.

And, of course, praying for patience and perseverance for yourself will not hurt, either.

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

Batman struggles with being obsessive. Iroman has a problem with arrogance. And the Hulk…well, I think you can guess what his character flaw is.

We never say a superhero isn’t super just because they have issues. So why do we as men think we cannot be good mentors, just because we aren’t perfect?

Forty-three percent of boys today are raised by a single mom. Seventy-eight percent of teachers are female. So many young men have no examples in their life showing them what it means to be a man.

Take some time today for a young man in your life. Invite him on a hike or a fishing trip. You don’t have to be perfect. To that boy, you will be a superhero.

To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

I will make a bet that your cell phone is within reach right now!

The first cell phone weighed 2.4 pounds and was larger than your head. That’s definitely not something you’d want to carry in your pocket. Fortunately, today’s cell phones are much smaller and lighter. They allow us to quickly talk And text each other.

And yet, despite the extraordinary technology within a cell phone, these devices often hinder communication. You’ve seen it—family members sitting beside one another staring at their phones. We’re so plugged into these devices that we lose contact with others. the very thing the devices were created for!

Don’t let that be you. Sure, go ahead and use technology, but don’t let it replace face-to-face communication. The more you talk and laugh with your teens, the more they’ll want to put down their phones and share life together with you.

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

Are you hanging on …too tightly?

In 1956, Jim Elliot was murdered by Indians in the jungles of Ecuador. Newspaper reporters wondered why this missionary would risk his life for uncivilized Indians. Though Jim Elliot died at only 28 years old, he had a proper perspective of life. He said,
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Too often, we hold tightly to possessions and activities that hold no eternal value. Don’t make the mistake of clinging to things of insignificance. Teach your kids through your example to give your time and talents to worthwhile causes. That may seem hard at first, but as you make God a daily priority, your possessions and activities will come into proper focus.

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

Microwave much?

In today’s society, we expect immediate results. When we try something new, we want instant success. But life doesn’t always work that way.

Sometimes life is hard and tough. Sometimes failure crashes over us like an avalanche. During these times, it’s easy to grow discouraged. Maybe even angry.

But if you are wise, you’ll use times of fatigue, frustration, and failure to teach your son important lessons about grit and determination. And guess what? The more your son sees you rely on God as you work through trials and challenges, the more he’ll understand that God provides the strength to continue on.

It’s great when failures transform into Immediate successes. But it’s even better when your son grows spiritually by seeing your faith in action over time.

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

“Trust your instruments.” This mantra is repeated all through flight school. While flying, it’s easy to get disoriented visually, especially in thick fog. Pilots must learn to trust their gauges, not their vision.

Boys today are also “flying through fog,” so to speak. In the confusion of cultural relativism and gender fluidity, young men don’t know where they are or where they are going. So they often choose their own course, or refuse to move at all.

As parents, we must help our son gain a solid foundation and understanding of God’s Word. Involve your boy in organizations that are founded on Biblical truth. Help him find a positive, godly mentor. And encourage your boy to memorize Scripture– the only “instrument” that will never fail him.

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