If you could pick a superpower as a parent, what would it be? The ability to teleport your son to every sports practice instead of making the long drive?

Researchers have found that every parent has a “superpower” of sorts that can improve their relationship with their son, help him avoid perfectionism, and promote emotional health. It’s  simply this: an apology.

There’s no need to make your apology emotional or turn it into a long monologue. But when you know you’ve messed up as a parent, sincerely and concisely tell your son “I’m sorry”.  It will make him respect you more, and pave the way for him to learn the superpower of apologies in his own life.

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

Who does your child really belong to?

I’ll give you a hint: It’s not you.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

God is the creator and owner of everyone and everything. We are called to be his ambassador and steward everyone and everything he’s given to us.

Author Paul Tripp says it’s vital for us to understand that we have no independent, autonomous authority as a parent. God grants us the right and power to exercise authority.

As we strive to raise godly boys, do we have an owner or ambassador mentality?
For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How are your arrows doing?

Psalm 127:4 says that children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior.

Nowadays, we can drive down to the local sporting goods store and pick up a package of fiberglass arrows. These arrows are used for sport and are almost always retrieved after being shot.

In Bible times, the warrior’s arrows most likely were built by him. The warrior knew that the battle would be lost if he did not prepare. Preparing for battle takes a lot of time and hard work.

It is not easy, but it is worth it. Your children are your arrows. The time that you have them in your care is a precious time to prepare them for battle. It takes hard work!

Take time today to see your boys as arrows that will be used in battle by the Lord to defeat the enemy.

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.

Can you point to a scar on your body? Perhaps, as a kid, you cut your arm when falling off your bike, or scraped a leg while climbing a tree.

Some boys think scars are cool because they tell an exciting story. But not all scars are visible.

Emotional scars often hurt more than physical wounds. When correcting your son, what kind of words are you using? Hateful speech can scar a boy’s spirit and enthusiasm. Even a person’s tone of voice can cause deep wounds that may not easily heal.

When correcting your son, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and words as you train and instruct. By doing so, you’ll leave your son with valuable lessons instead of invisible scars.

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

Here’s an interesting parenting twist on the golden rule.

Psychologist Dr. Joshua Straub suggests that, when it comes to your son, you replace the word “treat” with the word “understand.” So the golden rule then becomes “understand your son the way you want to be understood.”

Now, understanding your son may seem like an impossible task– especially if he’s a teenager! But here’s some ideas to start. When your son gets upset over something that seems unimportant to you, instead of saying “there’s nothing to be mad about,” put yourself in your son’s shoes. Most likely, there’s an underlying fear or insecurity behind your son’s anger.

Seek to understand. And in turn, your son may begin to understand your side, as well.

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

Surfers don’t try to avoid the waves or control them– they learn to glide over them.

In the same way, family psychologist Dr. Joshua Straub has developed three steps to help your son “surf” over his emotions, instead of stuffing them down or using them to hurt others.

First, empathize with your boy’s feelings. Second, address the behavior. Explain the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with emotions. And third, problem solve together. Help your son come up with coping strategies,  like walking his dog when he feels angry or reading at night when he feels anxious.

Remind your son that emotions are a normal part of life that will ebb and flow. As one professor said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

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

Johnny dropped his bat to the ground, embarrassed that he had just struck out again. But when he glanced at the crowd and saw his dad give him a reassuring nod and smile, he felt his shoulders relax.

It’s easy as a parent to feel like you’ve “struck out” with your son when you lose patience or make a mistake. When this happens, you may start thinking that you’re a terrible parent, or that you’re destined to repeat the mistakes of your own parents. 

Instead of letting negative thoughts take over, turn to God. Repent. Ask your Heavenly Father for reassurance. And, as Numbers 6:26 says, “may the LORD turn his face towards you and give you peace.”

To learn about the five critical needs your son has as he grows up, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know that a recurve bow arrow can fly 2.5 times faster than a cheetah can run?

This type of arrow can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour, while the world’s fastest cheetah maxes out at about 60 miles per hour.

The Bible likens children to arrows.

Psalm 127:3-4 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”

As parents, we need to shape and mold these arrows into godly boys and then release them as godly men who will hit the target and make their mark in the world.

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

Have you ever seen a boy bite into a lemon? If so, his face probably scrunched up into wrinkles because of the super sour taste.

You may have never bitten into a lemon, but in life, we all experience sour moments. Maybe your son loves basketball. But then, while making a simple layup, he sprains his ankle and can’t join the school team.

During times of unexpected frustration, help your son see through the pain and annoyance. Remind him that God is in control. By shifting our focus away from us and toward God, we gain a better perspective of His plan and purpose.

When life becomes sour, stir in the sweet realization that God knows best. By trusting in Him, you’ll transform life’s lemons into lesson-learning lemonade.

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

Boys love fireworks!

There’s just something about a monstrous Bang!—Boom!—and Blast! that shakes the air and excites the heart.

As the sky vibrates with fiery explosions, fingers tingle with excitement, and fountains of sparkling light shine down on smiling faces.

But guess what lasts even longer than firecrackers and bottle rockets? Memories do!

Have fun with your son as you ring in the New Year together. As you show interest in him, he’ll be more likely to seek your help when peer pressure and temptation come his way.

Boys desperately need a father figure who can be a godly mentor and guide to them. Be that figure in your son’s life.

For information about a Proven Process that’s growing boys into godly men, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.