Raising Godly Boys Minute

What sets a boy's heart on fire?Whether it's beating the next level, winning the next game, or paddling around the next bend, boys love a challenge.  And more than that, boys need a challenge.Put a group of boys in canoes, and they will turn it into a race or a competition to turn each other over.  Send them on a campout, and they'll race to see who can set their tent up first so they can go romp in the woods.You can let your son find his own challenges, or you can give him adventures that will build him up, create strong character, and teach him that he is an overcomer, and a force to be reckoned with.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who are your families’ heroes?Take time in the month of November to teach children about great spiritual heroes - and also remember some of the heroes in your own life. Don't just let these days float by as missed opportunities while the culture is already trying to make money off of Christmas.  Redeem this time and use it as a stepping stone into the holiday season. Spend the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving learning some new spiritual heroes - and being thankful for familiar ones.Talk around the supper table about a godly person from history.  Or, share stories from your own pilgrimage.  The website Christian History Institute is a great resource for learning about people who have gone before us.  For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Now is the best time in history to raise a boy. Michael Reichert makes that claim in his book How to Raise a Boy. At first, it may seem like he is wrong, since boys are falling behind their female peers in almost every area. But Reichert says those statistics are what makes it a great time. Now that we’re aware that boys are struggling, it only takes a little intentionality to help. We can make sure our boys have positive and godly mentors. We can steer our sons away from screens and towards outdoor activity. We can get our son the extra help they need educationally. And, most importantly, we can pray to our all powerful God for wisdom, protection, and a full, kingdom building life for our sons. For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever watched a boy turn into a man?Tony was a goofy boy that liked to chase lizards, quote movies, and prank his friends. But he was smart and kind, and the leaders in his volunteer group began to suggest roles of responsibility.Soon, he began coming up with original ideas for activities, developing new games, and planning outings on his own. As an older youth, he commanded respect from his peers and adults alike.Sometimes, a boy needs curated responsibility to learn the art of leadership and service. Look for opportunities to give your son ways to grow. He may surprise you! This world needs godly men who lead from the front.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son needs to take a walk. Walking has more psychological benefits to your son than you probably even realize. Researchers have found that the rhythmic left and right motion can actually help your boy’s brain process thoughts and feelings. The physical movement can reduce his anxiety and depression, and also helps create new white blood cells in the brain which helps him think better. If your son thinks a walk sounds boring, here are some ideas: Get him a dog that needs to be taken on walks. Buy each other cheap fitness trackers, and compete for most steps taken in a day. Or, set up a reward system– maybe for every mile walked he gets a little bit of screen time. Whatever your strategy, his developing brain will benefit. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.