Raising Godly Boys Minute

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.

Are you trying too hard with your son?

It’s been a long day, and you and your son are raking leaves. It’s rare that you have one-on-one time with your boy, so you feel pressure to start a conversation about something important– like grades, or friends, or God.

But fellow parent, the pressure is off. Just doing simple tasks together like yard work, building model airplanes, working on an old car, or riding bikes can be incredibly meaningful– not because of the words you say, but because of the time spent together.

Because it’s in those moments that your son not only feels your love– he realizes that you may even like him for who he is.

For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who will your son be in ten years?

In day-to-day parenting, it’s easy to get caught up in how our sons are acting today. Today, your son will throw a tantrum when you don’t let him buy a toy at the store. Today, he might not seem to pay attention when you read the Bible with him. Today, he’ll roll his eyes when you remind him to practice his violin.

But fellow parent– take heart. Your son will grow up. And when he does, he will begin to see that all along, although you took the time to guide him, you cared more about who he was than what he did. Today, ask God for the perspective you need to parent your boy for who he will be in the years to come.

For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What if you let your son be the expert?

Your boy is surrounded by adults telling him what to do– buckle his seatbelt, pay attention in class, and be nice to his sister. While this guidance is necessary, it can be frustrating for him. So what if you took some time to let him teach you something?

If he’s little, let him take the lead when playing toy trucks. If he’s into video games, grab a controller and ask for a tutorial. You can even compliment him on something simple– such as the way he loads the dishwasher– and have him teach the skill to a younger sibling.

Your son will be delighted to share his expertise.

For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you praising your boy’s effort, or his outcomes?

When Mitchell achieved something, such as winning a soccer game, or a high score on a test, his parents expressed a lot of excitement, lavishing praise on him. Inside, Mitchell began to ask himself, what if I didn’t win or get a good grade? Would my parents still love me?

What about you? Do you praise your son more for his good results than you do for a good effort or a great attitude?

Make a point to compliment him by saying things like “I noticed how you passed the ball at just the right moment.” This will help give your son confidence that he can focus on the things he can control, and surrender the results to God.

To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.