Gangs. They are responsible for almost half of the violent crime in the United States. And yet, boys and men continue to join these groups in droves, some recruited as early as elementary school. Why?

Here’s a big reason. As boys interact socially, they are always asking three questions: “Who is with me?” “Who is in charge?” And, “What is our mission?”

Often, church groups and social clubs, although well-intentioned, fail to answer those questions. If we aren’t answering these questions for boys, we will surely lose them to groups that will.

To ensure your son thrives, help him identify friends, leaders, and the bigger purpose in everything he does– from school to soccer practice.

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

In the old days of coal mining, canaries were brought into mines. If the bird died, the miners knew they needed to escape, because there was something noxious in the atmosphere.

In our society today, boys are just like those canaries. Many are faltering in every area, including school, relationships, and mental health.

But there is one simple thing that can make young men more likely to make healthier choices, do better in school, and have a stronger self esteem. And that is the presence of a positive mentor.

Think you’re not equipped to be a mentor? Think about the heroes you had growing up. They made you feel valued, worthy, and inspired– and I promise, they were far from perfect people.

To learn about a Proven Process for raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys love the story of David and Goliath. Afterall, anytime there’s a battle involving giants with swords, it’s sure to capture attention.

But too often, boys fail to apply important lessons from David’s life. Before David defeated Goliath, he had learned to depend on God when battling lions that attacked his sheep. By relying on God in these smaller tests of faith, David had confidence that God would help him no matter what giant situation came his way.

What giants are your son facing? At school, is he struggling academically? Are bullies harassing him? Does he know how to navigate peer pressure?

The more your son understands that true strength comes from God—for both the small and big stuff—the more victorious he will be in life.

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

Do you use your phone to send text messages?

According to statistics, around 80% of Americans do. Those text messages are often sent to family, friends, and co-workers. And now, more than ever, millions of children also carry a smart phone.

If you’ve decided to provide your son a phone, make sure he uses it responsibly. But in addition to that, use text messaging as a way to connect with him. If you’re out of town during one of his sporting events or other activities, send a quick text:
Hey buddy. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Just want you to know that I’m so proud of you!

A text message doesn’t take long to type, but the encouragement it provides lasts for days.

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

We need to listen to our children. One old-school method of dealing with children was “The children should be seen and not heard.” Connecting with our child’s heart, especially our sons, is critical to having a loving relationship with them, and connection begins with listening and understanding. We must value who they are and who God has made them to be.

As we start to listen more to them, we will grow in understanding of who our child is and what makes them thrive. Become a student of your child. Learn what inspires them and what they are passionate about. Be intentional about listening to them, connecting with them, and encouraging them down the right path.

Take time today to listen to your children and value who they are.
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For more parenting advice and information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Two of the most difficult words for a parent to say are, “I’m sorry.” Are you saying them enough?

As parents, we should ask for forgiveness from our kids if we lose our temper, or don’t control our tongue, or if we jump to conclusions without gathering the necessary facts.

The difficulty is that we can feel vulnerable, inadequate, and even slightly humiliated when apologizing.

But here’s the truth: Your son or daughter will grow to love and respect you even more if you apologize. Humbling yourself demonstrates—through action—a love so strong that you are willing to admit wrong in order to restore the relationship.

Saying sorry isn’t easy, but your example goes a long way in helping your children see what true spiritual maturity looks like.

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

Glance into your purse or wallet and you’ll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.

It’s nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it’s even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.

Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?

Proverbs 3:5 says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.

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

Glance into your purse or wallet and you’ll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.

It’s nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it’s even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.

Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?

Proverbs 3:5 says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.

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

When Benjamin Franklin’s name is mentioned, kids think of the Guy who placed a metal key on a kite string.

But adults recognize Benjamin Franklin as one of America’s most important Founding Fathers. In addition to helping to write the Declaration of Independence, he also had great advice about the learning process.

He said,
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

Kids learn in different ways, but boys—especially—benefit from physical involvement. It’s one thing to tell a boy how to do something. But having him actually do it helps him remember and apply the lesson in a much more effective way.

For information about how to help boys learn and grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you’re expecting a baby, you’re filled with dreams of how extraordinary your child will eventually become. But if your son has special needs or experiences developmental delays, you dream about him functioning in an ordinary way.

The expectations we have for our children don’t always turn out the way we wish. During these times, it’s easy to become angry, frustrated, and bitter.

When these emotions begin swirling through your mind, return your focus to the God of all comfort. Remember that God selected you as a parent for a specific reason. And because He chose you, He will equip you for the task at hand.

It’s also helpful to receive encouragement throughout the parenting journey. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men. Learn more at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.