Raising Godly Boys Minute

Ever strike a match?

A single match—or even a single spark from flint and steel—can start a fire. And if provided with enough fuel, that small fire can quickly grow into a large and powerful force.

The same can be said for words. A simple word of encouragement could be the spark that encourages your son to accomplish incredible things.

If your son is struggling with school or sports or social activities, give him some tips and pointers in a kind and patient way. Then, when you see progress, say, “Awesome job,” and give him a high five.

That simple act of encouragement could be the spark that prompts your son to strive for even greater success. It’s amazing how small words of affirmation can lead to big results.

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

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.