Raising Godly Boys Minute

Next time you’re at Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby, spend about twenty bucks on a nice set of colored markers and a half dozen assorted poster boards. Then stash them in secret at home.

In the next year or so, your son is going to come to you as bedtime approaches with a look of terror on his face. “I need to make a poster for school that’s due tomorrow!”

You could say, “Too bad, too sad. Hope you learned a lesson.” You could race to the 24-hour drug store across town and pay triple for those supplies. Or you could magically produce them from your hidden stash!!

He’ll be grateful and amazed. And you’ll have that rare and wonderful feeling of being a hero to your son. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Most of the time when your son messes up, he knows it. He has instant regrets. But it’s not easy to apologize.

Guilt, ego, and fear get in the way. He may feel unworthy of your love and forgiveness.

Consider the Prodigal son when he found himself broke, lonely, and even yearning for pig food. He was prepared to tell his father, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.”

But what did that dad do when he saw him a long way off? He ran to the boy!

Let’s do the same. When your son expresses sincere remorse, be eager to accept his apology. Maybe even throw him a party!

For more about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When your son starts questioning why God sometimes doesn’t make sense, turn to Isaiah 55 and explain that God’s thoughts are “higher” than ours.

Then, if you can, pull a cross stitch or embroidery off the wall. Turn that tapestry over so your son sees the tangled zig-zag of knots and loose threads on the back. Explain how that’s “our view,” and that life does get messy. Then turn it over and reveal “God’s view.”

That heavenly perspective – one we cannot possibly have yet – reveals perfect order. God’s plan is in place.

Then point out how the beauty of creation God provides in our temporary home proves that we can trust Him for an even more beautiful place in eternity.

We help parents share God’s purpose and glory with their sons. To learn more, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The best way to stay one step ahead of the latest technology might be … to ask your son!

Whether he’s 9 or 19, there’s a good chance he knows more than you.

Do a bit of research about emerging technologies in gaming and networking and then ask your son about it. He may be eager to show off his tech knowledge.

Treat him as an authority. Tell him you feel out of the loop and say, “Can you help me?” then let him teach you.

By  entering his world, you might identify stumbling blocks before they trip him up. You also may learn I.T. secrets you can use. Best of all, you’ll get new insight into that growing boy you love so much.

For more ways to connect with and protect your son, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Initially, a boy’s worldview comes from Mom and Dad.

Beginning around the age of 4 or 5—no matter what you have planned for his schooling—he will begin to learn things from other avenues. Cool, fun stuff. And maybe dangerous stuff.

Some is taught quite intentionally in textbooks and lesson plans. Other worldviews and attitudes come from friends, relatives, the kid down the street and the many screens he’ll come across in the decades to come.

From teachers, grandparents, and coaches, much of it will be good stuff! What a gift that is to your son!

But what about the bad stuff? As much as you would like, you can’t stop it all.

That’s why your son needs to develop his own personal faith and convictions. And that’s another reason to visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.