Raising Godly Boys Minute

Stuck in traffic? Use the time to teach your son a valuable lesson.

David felt his blood pressure rising one day while driving. He said to his son, “I’m getting really frustrated. How about we turn on some music so I can think about something else?” 

A few days later, David’s son was working on some math homework. He looked at his dad and said, “Dad, I’m getting really frustrated with this homework. Can we turn on some music so I can think about something else?”

Our kids learn so much from observing our behavior. If you want to raise a son who knows how to regulate his emotions, the best thing you can do is model healthy ways to deal with frustration– even with small things, like traffic.

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

He was told he’d never walk… but God had other plans.

When Glenn Cunningham was eight, his legs were burned badly in an accident. Doctors suggested amputation, but his parents didn’t allow it. Against all odds, Glenn started walking again, and eventually, running. Years later, Glenn broke the world record mile time, giving all the glory to God.

Just like Glenn’s experience, the world will put limits on our son’s hopes, dreams, and abilities. If your boy expresses an interest in a challenging or nontraditional career, such as a musician, artist, or actor, pray about it together and encourage him to pursue his passions. Through Christ, he truly can live out Glenn’s life verse–”Those who wait on the Lord…will run and not grow weary.”

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

Want to give your son a boost of confidence? Try this.

Let him plan a fun activity for your family. This could be a day or weekend trip to a zoo, a baseball game, a water park, or a concert. Give him a budget, and help him research buying tickets, planning meals, and booking a hotel.

While on the trip, stay back and let your son take the lead with things like talking to the person at the ticket counter. When you return home, sit down with your son and evaluate the experience together, giving both positive feedback and constructive criticism. Your son will gain valuable skills, be challenged, and overall, get a boost of confidence that you’d trust him with such a big privilege.

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

Does your son need his grandparents?

It’s true that there are many children who are raised without their grandparents who do just fine. But child development researchers have found that children who feel relationally close to a grandparent tend to show higher levels of kindness, better school performance, and a better attention span.

Of course, many times grandparent relationships can be complicated, and even full of hurt. If your relationship with your parents,or your spouses’ parents, is estranged, prayerfully consider reengaging. Working through conflict and showing forgiveness will not only be beneficial to you, but will also set an excellent example for your son. Everyone– you, your parents, and your son– will benefit from your son getting some quality grandparent time.

To learn more about raising your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you trying too hard with your son?

It’s been a long day, and you and your son are raking leaves. It’s rare that you have one-on-one time with your boy, so you feel pressure to start a conversation about something important– like grades, or friends, or God.

But fellow parent, the pressure is off. Just doing simple tasks together like yard work, building model airplanes, working on an old car, or riding bikes can be incredibly meaningful– not because of the words you say, but because of the time spent together.

Because it’s in those moments that your son not only feels your love– he realizes that you may even like him for who he is.

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

Who will your son be in ten years?

In day-to-day parenting, it’s easy to get caught up in how our sons are acting today. Today, your son will throw a tantrum when you don’t let him buy a toy at the store. Today, he might not seem to pay attention when you read the Bible with him. Today, he’ll roll his eyes when you remind him to practice his violin.

But fellow parent– take heart. Your son will grow up. And when he does, he will begin to see that all along, although you took the time to guide him, you cared more about who he was than what he did. Today, ask God for the perspective you need to parent your boy for who he will be in the years to come.

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

What if you let your son be the expert?

Your boy is surrounded by adults telling him what to do– buckle his seatbelt, pay attention in class, and be nice to his sister. While this guidance is necessary, it can be frustrating for him. So what if you took some time to let him teach you something?

If he’s little, let him take the lead when playing toy trucks. If he’s into video games, grab a controller and ask for a tutorial. You can even compliment him on something simple– such as the way he loads the dishwasher– and have him teach the skill to a younger sibling.

Your son will be delighted to share his expertise.

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

Are you praising your boy’s effort, or his outcomes?

When Mitchell achieved something, such as winning a soccer game, or a high score on a test, his parents expressed a lot of excitement, lavishing praise on him. Inside, Mitchell began to ask himself, what if I didn’t win or get a good grade? Would my parents still love me?

What about you? Do you praise your son more for his good results than you do for a good effort or a great attitude?

Make a point to compliment him by saying things like “I noticed how you passed the ball at just the right moment.” This will help give your son confidence that he can focus on the things he can control, and surrender the results to God.

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

There is a catch-22 of every boy’s life.

He craves independence and freedom. But he also still wants and needs the attention and approval of his parents.

Be sure to set aside some time each week for intentional time with your boy. Invite him on a hike or a fishing trip. Take him along when you need to go pick up something from work. Ask him to help you with a task, like staining the back deck.

This isn’t the time to pester your son with questions, or lecture him about behavior changes. Allow for comfortable silence, and just enjoy time together.

Your son may not seem like he appreciates it. But I guarantee you are making a memory with him– no catch-22 about it.

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

Who’s your favorite superhero?

Boys love superhero movies—especially when characters like Superman and Thor travel to earth from distant space, fight the bad guys, and save humans from total annihilation.

These films capture our attention, but it’s important to remember that they’re fictional. If your son wants to talk about superheroes, mention the greatest superhero of all. Not only is Jesus all-powerful and all-knowing, but he also loves us beyond comprehension. That’s why He paid the punishment for our sin on the cross. And because He conquered death, He now offers us new life.

Superhero movies provide entertainment, but Jesus provides eternal life. Has your son accepted that free gift of salvation? If not, take time today to explain the Gospel message. It’s a message that’s more extraordinary than any blockbuster movie.

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