Raising Godly Boys Minute

Do you have unreasonable expectations?

As a parent, you love your son and want him to succeed at everything he does. You want him to earn the highest grades in class, score the most points at the game, and have the greatest artistic talent.

But unreasonable expectations can cause frustration—for both you and your son.

Even though it’s fine to motivate your son to achieve success, be careful that your high expectations don’t cause him to become discouraged, angry, and resentful. Ask the Lord to guide you in knowing how to motivate your son. Then, as long as your son is trying his best, be satisfied with the results.

For help and encouragement along the parenting journey, check out Trail Life USA. We have fun and exciting programs that are helping boys grow into godly men. For more information, visit RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you ever use the smiley emoji while texting?

That emoji helped launch World Smile Day, which is celebrated the first Friday in October. On that day, people are encouraged to smile at people around them.

Fortunately, you don’t need an official holiday to smile. It’s something you can do every day. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly. Health issues, work conflicts, and financial concerns may catch you off guard. Or perhaps your son discourages a smile from you because he doesn’t like the rules you’ve set in place for his own good.

Despite life’s challenges, a simple smile can keep matters in proper perspective. Not only will a smile help lower your stress level, but it’ll also show your son that God’s grace provides lasting peace. And that’s certainly something you can smile about.

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

Do you ever use the smiley emoji while texting? 

That emoji helped launch World Smile Day, which is celebrated the first Friday in October. On that day, people are encouraged to smile at people around them.

Fortunately, you don’t need an official holiday to smile. It’s something you can do every day. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly. Health issues, work conflicts, and financial concerns may catch you off guard. Or perhaps your son discourages a smile from you because he doesn’t like the rules you’ve set in place for his own good. 

Despite life’s challenges, a simple smile can keep matters in proper perspective. Not only will a smile help lower your stress level, but it’ll also show your son that God’s grace provides lasting peace. And that’s certainly something you can smile about.

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

You know that irritating song, “The wheels on the bus go round and round”?

Well, sometimes, the routines of parenting also feel like they just keep rolling along, day after day.

Wake up—get the kids ready for school—make breakfast—drive to work—finish work—help the kids with homework—and so on and so forth.

When the routines of life feel repetitive, introduce new ways to keep boredom at bay. In the car, play trivia games together. At the dinner table, tell funny stories about your childhood. Before bedtime, listen to an audiobook.

Even though life continues day after day, find ways to make the ordinary become extraordinary. Not only will this make life more fun for your kiddos, but for you as well.

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

Cara decided that her son won’t be allowed to have a TikTok account. Annoyed, he told her, “I’m the only kid in my class who doesn’t have one. Why don’t you let me have one?” Cara paused. “Well, why do you think I have this rule?”

“Well,” her son said. “I’ve heard about the TikTok challenges that are dangerous or illegal. So I guess I understand that part.”

Listening to her son’s points, instead of lecturing, led to a healthy discussion. Cara’s boy still wasn’t sure he agreed, but by the end of the talk he did understand the reasoning a little more. Plus, his critical thinking skills got a workout!

For more ideas for raising your son to be a godly man,  visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.