Raising Godly Boys Minute

Do you use your phone to send text messages?

According to statistics, around 80% of Americans do. Those text messages are often sent to family, friends, and co-workers. And now, more than ever, millions of children also carry a smart phone.

If you’ve decided to provide your son a phone, make sure he uses it responsibly. But in addition to that, use text messaging as a way to connect with him. If you’re out of town during one of his sporting events or other activities, send a quick text:
Hey buddy. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Just want you to know that I’m so proud of you!

A text message doesn’t take long to type, but the encouragement it provides lasts for days.

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

We need to listen to our children. One old-school method of dealing with children was “The children should be seen and not heard.” Connecting with our child’s heart, especially our sons, is critical to having a loving relationship with them, and connection begins with listening and understanding. We must value who they are and who God has made them to be.

As we start to listen more to them, we will grow in understanding of who our child is and what makes them thrive. Become a student of your child. Learn what inspires them and what they are passionate about. Be intentional about listening to them, connecting with them, and encouraging them down the right path.

Take time today to listen to your children and value who they are.
(129 words)

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.

Two of the most difficult words for a parent to say are, “I’m sorry.” Are you saying them enough?

As parents, we should ask for forgiveness from our kids if we lose our temper, or don’t control our tongue, or if we jump to conclusions without gathering the necessary facts.

The difficulty is that we can feel vulnerable, inadequate, and even slightly humiliated when apologizing.

But here’s the truth: Your son or daughter will grow to love and respect you even more if you apologize. Humbling yourself demonstrates—through action—a love so strong that you are willing to admit wrong in order to restore the relationship.

Saying sorry isn’t easy, but your example goes a long way in helping your children see what true spiritual maturity looks like.

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

Glance into your purse or wallet and you’ll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.

It’s nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it’s even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.

Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?

Proverbs 3:5 says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.

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

Glance into your purse or wallet and you’ll probably see a few dollar bills. Written on those dollar bills are these words: In God We Trust.

It’s nice having that motto on our coins and bills—but it’s even more important to demonstrate that motto in our lives … that we teach this to our sons.

Has your son trusted in Jesus as his Savior? If so, are you teaching him the importance of trusting in the Lord for daily guidance?

Proverbs 3:5 says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Parenting is full of challenges. But when we trust in God, He promises to provide strength and help in time of need.

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