Raising Godly Boys Minute

On this last day of the year,  reflect with your son about the 5 critical needs. First, do a check on your son’s “compass.” Ask him what he would like his life to look like in 5 years, and what he needs to do now to achieve his dreams. Secondly, ask your son about his “map.” Does he have male mentors to look up to? Third, remind your son that he needs a “guide,” positive peer relationships. Is his group of friends spurring him on in Christ? Fourth, your son needs a flashlight. Does he feel confident in his faith? Remind him that it’s more than OK to ask questions. Finally, talk to your boy about the mountains in his life. Does he feel challenged? What new activities would he like to attempt in the new year? To learn more about these 5 critical needs, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It’s easier than you think. In her book Boys Will Be Boys, Dr. Meg Meeker jokingly describes a fictional encounter between a father and a son. The dad says, “Hey son, I’ll see you later, I’m going to a seminar on how to be a better father!” And the son answers,: “Oh, that’s easy dad, just hammer some nails with me.” Dr. Meeker’s brilliant point is that good and godly parenting is a lot more simple than we think. Although a doctor’s advice is sometimes needed, ultimately there’s only two voices you need to listen to: God’s, and your son’s. Dr. Meeker says if you pay close enough attention to your son, you will soon see what he truly needs. Combine that with a prayer for wisdom, and you can parent with confidence. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How does a boy know he is becoming a man?Sometimes, life tells them along the way.Late in the dry summer, Robert looked out his back door, and saw smoke billowing across his property. A growing fire crawled across his neighbor’s pasture, and threatened to roar into the woods on his land.  He yelled for his two boys, 12 and 15, threw rakes into the truck, and drove toward the fire.Jumping into action, he and the boys beat back the flames, creating a firebreak and saving the woods - and the elementary school on the other side.Grimy, exhausted, thirsty, and hearts racing with pride they performed a man’s work that day, those two boys knew they were becoming men.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What does your son think about his looks? The media has been focusing a lot on a positive body image movement for girls. But it’s easy to forget that our sons can also feel pressure from peers to have a “perfect” body. How can you help your son have a healthy body image? First, and perhaps most importantly, get your son involved in outdoor physical activity. When he’s with friends, sweating, competing, and having a great time, he’ll feel good physically. Second, refrain from making comments about his body, whether good or bad. Compliment character traits instead– like how he prayed at dinner or how he was patient with his sister. And finally, memorize verses together about our intrinsic worth in Christ– the true source of ultimate confidence. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In a time when boys are struggling to know their purpose and identity, look to the beautiful story of Christmas.  First, Jesus’ time on earth gives young men guidance. Jesus embodies Biblical masculinity. He  loves, heals, delivers, and sacrifices. Second, the Christmas story grounds boys. In our society where everything is fluid, the absolute truth of God’s word gives young men a foundation to stand on. Thirdly, the gift of Jesus Christ proves everyone’s infinite worth. And finally, the Christmas story is inspiring. Boys always want to know what’s at stake– and the life and death of Jesus proves that laying down our life for others is the greatest call. May these days of the holiday season remind your son– and you– to thank God for the amazing gift of redemption through Jesus. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.