Raising Godly Boys Minute

When Benjamin Franklin’s name is mentioned, kids think of the Guy who placed a metal key on a kite string.

But adults recognize Benjamin Franklin as one of America’s most important Founding Fathers. In addition to helping to write the Declaration of Independence, he also had great advice about the learning process.

He said,
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

Kids learn in different ways, but boys—especially—benefit from physical involvement. It’s one thing to tell a boy how to do something. But having him actually do it helps him remember and apply the lesson in a much more effective way.

For information about how to help boys learn and grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you’re expecting a baby, you’re filled with dreams of how extraordinary your child will eventually become. But if your son has special needs or experiences developmental delays, you dream about him functioning in an ordinary way.

The expectations we have for our children don’t always turn out the way we wish. During these times, it’s easy to become angry, frustrated, and bitter.

When these emotions begin swirling through your mind, return your focus to the God of all comfort. Remember that God selected you as a parent for a specific reason. And because He chose you, He will equip you for the task at hand.

It’s also helpful to receive encouragement throughout the parenting journey. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men. Learn more at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know the four magic words to motivate your son?

These four words are powerful. These words might help your boy pay attention at school or cause him to clean his room.

Are you ready for the four words? They are:

“Here’s what’s at stake.”

You see, boys are motivated by challenges. And when they don’t know what’s at stake, it’s hard for them to stay focused.

Here’s an example. Maybe your son lacks motivation in his art class. If so, consider this– does he understand why learning about art is important?

Sometimes, the “what’s at stake” will be a natural consequence– and other times, you may have to create a consequence for your son. Either way, use the four magic words “here’s what’s at stake”-- and you just might see your son be motivated.

For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“What were you thinking?” Most parents ask their son this question at least once. 

Preteens and teens often make decisions without considering consequences. There’s a valid reason for this. Teen brains are still developing. The portion of their brain responsible for planning ahead and understanding the if-then effects, the prefrontal cortex, isn’t fully mature until the mid-20's. Until then, they need us to steer them toward healthy choices.

Their brains develop properly as they exercise positive decision-making skills. That means taking some risks, like learning tricks on a skateboard, and reaping the rewards while resisting unhealthy temptations, like staying up late or spending too much time staring at screens. 

So, don’t be too hard on your son when his decisions appear impulsive;  applaud him when he makes healthy choices.

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

Do you ever use things around you to teach truth? Jesus did it all the time.

A caterpillar, wrapping itself in a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful butterfly, is a good example of this teaching process. The caterpillar enters its “tomb,” dies to its former life of destroying plants, and changes into something wondrous and beneficial to those around it. We call it “metamorphosis.”

The Apostle Paul used this word Romans 12:2 when he said we were to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind…” By doing so, Paul says, a person dies to a former life, and becomes something heavenly.

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, the truth of the caterpillar is something little minds and hearts can comprehend. That’s why Jesus taught this way. He used simple illustrations, but oh, how profound is the truth.

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