Explore every episode of the podcast Raising Godly Boys Minute

Boys love fireworks!

There’s just something about a monstrous Bang!—Boom!—and Blast! that shakes the air and excites the heart.

As the sky vibrates with fiery explosions, fingers tingle with excitement, and fountains of sparkling light shine down on smiling faces.

But guess what lasts even longer than firecrackers and bottle rockets? Memories do!

Have fun with your son as you ring in the New Year together. As you show interest in him, he’ll be more likely to seek your help when peer pressure and temptation come his way.

Boys desperately need a father figure who can be a godly mentor and guide to them. Be that figure in your son’s life.

For information about a Proven Process that’s growing boys into godly men, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

As January 1st approaches, do you plan to make any New Year’s resolutions? About 32% of Americans do. Here are the top 3 resolutions they make:
Get More Exercise
Lose Weight
Save Money

Even though these are commendable resolutions, there’s something even more important that we should strive toward. That’s loving the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. But guess what? As God transforms your heart and mind, He will transform your relationships, too.

Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from investing time and attention in your kids. Don’t look back on these important years with regret. Instead, commit to being the best Mom or Dad you can be.

Remember, you’re not alone in this parenting journey. For help and encouragement, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

Boys love statistics—the crazier the better! For instance, did you know that the average American eats around 23 pounds of ice cream a year? Talk about brain freeze!

Here’s another statistic: Each year contains almost 9,000 hours! That’s a HUGE number. But do you know how YOU spent your time throughout this past year?

How many hours did you stare at your phone?
How many hours did you spend with your son?

As the New Year approaches, be intentional with how you invest your time in your son’s life.

Speaking of ice cream, here’s a simple idea. Hop in the car and visit a nearby ice cream shop. As you share a bunch of smiles and laughs, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

For outdoor adventures, you and your son can enjoy together, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

Around 7,000 languages are spoken throughout the world.

But to communicate with your son, you don’t have to be a linguistic expert. In fact, you don’t even have to be bilingual. All you need is a desire to spend quality time with your son.

This language of love is demonstrated through action. Play catch with your son. Go fishing together. Visit a National Park and explore God’s creation.

By spending time with your son, you speak to both his heart and mind. And show him through action that you care for him.

When your son knows you love him, he’ll be more likely to listen when you provide correction and instruction. You’re helping him grow into a godly young man.

For more parenting advice and outdoor activities you and your son can do together, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

Boys love to wrestle. They love testing their skill and strength against other kids. As they compete, they experience the thrill of victory . . . and—sometimes—the agony of defeat.

Victory isn’t guaranteed—but that’s okay. Boys compete for more than just a ribbon. They love the challenge and excitement competition brings.

Boys desperately need this. Too often the only thing they wrestle . . . is boredom. They sit on the couch and stare at their phones. This isn’t physically, mentally, or spiritually healthy.

Instead, boys grow by being challenged. And as they compete, they develop important character traits needed for future success.

Are you providing healthy challenges for your son? The great outdoors is an excellent place to start. Visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys for activities you and your son can enjoy together.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, an angel appeared to shepherds outside of Bethlehem. That angel declared, “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people.”

Those “good tidings” are still great news to us today. That news is that Jesus Christ is Lord.

With Christmas in full swing, now is the perfect time to teach your kids that this festive season is about much more than presents. Use caroling to sing about the Gospel message. Or bake some cookies and share them with your neighbors. Write Christmas cards of encouragement to elderly couples in your church.

As you share the Joy of the world with those around you, you teach your kids that Jesus brings help, hope, and healing to a hurting world.

For more parenting advice and information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

When you were a kid, what was the best present you ever received? Was it a toy train? Maybe a bike, or perhaps a remote-controlled car.

As a Christian, you now understand that the greatest of all presents wasn’t bought at a shopping mall or even on Amazon.com.

When God sent His one-and-only Son to earth, He gave us the greatest of all gifts. Because of our Savior’s sacrifice, we can be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

Don’t let your kids get so captivated by physical presents that they forget about the reason for the season.

As you teach your kids about the Lord Jesus, consider using fun and practical resources that guide them in the way they should go. Visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys for more information.

In Charles Dickens’s classic book, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas. Whenever someone wishes him “Merry Christmas,” he responds by saying, “Bah! Humbug!”

But after a visit by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge realizes that a selfish life is a wasted life.

This is a great reminder to make the most of the present. By “present,” I’m not talking about wrapped gifts, but about being intentional in how we use our days and hours.

By adding fun and laughter to everyday activities with your family, you transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Learn about a Proven Process that is being used across the country that’s growing boys into godly men at TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

When you wrap a present, does the final package look like an explosion of paper—or like a decorative piece of artwork?

No matter what the packaging looks like, don’t get so wrapped up in the busyness of the Christmas season that you forget what’s truly important. 

As we celebrate Christ’s birth, honor Him by being the father God wants you to be. That involves spending time with your son.

Here’s an idea: Push the living room furniture aside and have a wrestling match. Boys LOVE that! Then afterward, share some hot chocolate and a bunch of laughs.

You may not be very good at wrapping Christmas presents, but you can certainly wrap your arms around your son and give him a giant bear hug.

Invest time and attention in your son. Learn about a Proven Process that’s helping boys grow into godly men. Learn more by visiting TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

The Christmas season is busy!

There are presents to buy, desserts to bake, Christmas lights to untangle, greeting cards to write, stocking stuffers to find, trees to decorate, performances to attend . . . and so much more!

As you know, Christmas is a BUSY time!

Yet, amid all that busyness, don’t forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Some 2,000 years ago, God demonstrated His love to us by sending His one-and-only Son to earth. That was the start of something incredible . . . the start of God’s redemptive plan for mankind.

Continue the tradition of demonstrating love through action. Show your kids that you love them by spending quality time together. Go ice skating. Decorate a gingerbread house. Go caroling together.

For more ideas of how to spend time with your kids, visit TrailLifeUSA.com/raisinggodlyboys.

When your kids stress you out, don’t you wish there was a parenting 911 phone number? You know, a phone number you could call for emergency help in dealing with bad attitudes and rebellious behavior.

Although there isn’t a parenting 911 phone number, there’s something even better, faster, and more effective. Whenever the parenting journey feels overwhelming, ask God for help. Jeremiah 33:3 provides a wonderful promise. It says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things.”

Before you pull out your hair or text a co-worker for advice, make sure you ask the Lord to guide your thoughts, words, and actions. By remaining calm during parenting emergencies, you’ll experience peace even during those stressful moments of life.

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

What’s the hardest part of playing baseball?

For most people, it’s timing your swing when a baseball comes flying at you. But when you swing the bat and connect solidly with the ball, you just might earn yourself a home run.
 
As a parent, you want your son to succeed in life. But before he’ll take your guidance and instruction to heart, you first need to connect with him on an emotional level. And that connection doesn’t happen by accident. It takes practice, timing, and a whole lot of patience.

So, when was the last time you spent one-on-one time with your son?

By investing time and attention in him, you’ll create a strong connection that will help him score a home run in life.

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

Did you know that your feet contain around a quarter of all the bones in your body?

It’s true! Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

From a medical standpoint, feet are amazing. But Romans 10:15 gives a different perspective. The verse says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace.”

Sharing the gospel message with people is incredibly important. Show your son, through action, how to talk about Jesus. Then, if your son has accepted Christ as his Savior, teach him to share his own testimony. The more you and your son proclaim the gospel to others, the more you honor Christ through your lives.

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

When out in the woods, accidents happen. A Trailman may sprain his ankle, or someone may brush up against poison ivy.

During these times, a first aid kit comes in handy. But don’t you wish parenting kids came with its own first aid kit? 

If it did, it’d definitely include an ice pack to cool high tempers, bandages for wrapping hurt feelings, and ointment to sooth frustration away. 

Optional accessories might include aspirin for headache relief during those teenage years, antiseptic wipes to disinfect against worldly influences, and an emergency blanket for needed rest.

Even though you may not have a parenting first aid kit, you can still provide your son consistent comfort and care. A little time and attention goes a long way in healing hurt feelings.

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

The world is a scary place. Hurricanes pound coastal cities. Riots burn businesses. And in war-torn countries, missiles destroy homes and separate families.

Are your kids scared of what is happening in today’s world? Are TV broadcasts, internet headlines, and YouTube videos making them fear the future?

Don’t let bad news destroy your children’s courage and steal their happiness.

Despite the turmoil around us, use these scary situations to point your kids to Christ. Remind them that in John 14:27, Jesus says, “My peace I give to you.” This verse goes on to say that Christians do not need to be troubled or afraid.

So, even though the world may not find peace, we can experience peace in knowing that God is in control.

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

When scanning social media, do you find yourself becoming jealous? Do other families seem to have kids that are perfectly behaved, perfectly athletic, or perfectly talented?

It’s easy to see social-media posts and think those snapshots tell the whole story. They often don’t. That’s why it’s important to realize that God made each child uniquely different.

Even though your son may be a little clumsy or a little shy, God values him just as much as anyone else.

Don’t let social media steal your joy and contentment. Rejoice in the fact that your son is a work in progress that you have the privilege of guiding through life.

For help along the parenting journey, Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son experienced the death of a pet? What about the loss of a friend or a grandparent?

Death is a hard concept for young kids to understand. But even for children who are older, emotions can quickly spiral out of control. And without proper perspective of what this loss means and how to deal with grief, death’s grip can drag kids into anger, despair, and loneliness.

When death steals a loved one away, take time to answer your son’s questions. Remind him that even Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died. But God promises to provide comfort and help. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.”

Even though loss is inevitable, use grief as an opportunity for growth. 

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

Charles Spurgeon, a famous preacher from the 1800s, said, “Let no Christian parents fall into the delusion that Sunday School is intended to ease them of their personal duties.”

While church is a great place for your kids to learn biblical truths, they spend many more hours of the day at home. And it’s there that they should be learning about how Jesus influences all areas of our lives.

So, what kind of example are you providing? Your kids don’t expect perfection, but they want you to be genuine with your faith. If loving the Lord and his Word is a priority for you, your personal example will go a long way in helping your children to also love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind.

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

When building an outdoor shelter, rope comes in handy. But do you know how to tie a square knot? What about a sheet bend knot or a bowline knot.

It takes time, practice, and patience to master these knots—but when you understand their purpose and how to make them, life becomes a little easier and a whole lot more fun.

The same is true in parenting. Raising boys can feel like a rope full of knots. There’s twisting and turning, looping and crossing. And if you rush the formation process, you’ll experience confusion and frustration.

That’s why spending quality time with your son is so important. As you focus on his needs, those knots in the parenting process transform into useful tools that serve important purposes.

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

Do unanswered why questions frustrate you?

Perhaps your teenage son is obnoxiously rebellious. You wonder why God gave you a son that makes parenting so difficult? Or maybe there’s that nagging question about why your son has to suffer with a physical health condition.

Life is filled with questions we don’t know the answers to. But that doesn’t mean we give up or trust God any less.

In Isaiah 55:9, God says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways.”

God knows what he is doing even when we don’t understand it. Your responsibility is to exercise faith in his plan and purpose. By trusting in him, you’ll experience peace even during the unanswered why’s of life.

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

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Perhaps you’ve run a race or climbed a mountain. Those are certainly incredible accomplishments. But forgiving someone can be one of the most difficult things to do.

That’s because forgiveness requires letting go of the hurt, anger, and bitterness you hold deep inside. And when you’ve been wronged by one of your own children, that pain stings even more.

During these times, shift your perspective. Colossians 3:13 is a reminder that you should forgive others because Jesus forgave you.

This doesn’t mean offering forgiveness will ever be easy, but it’ll always be the right thing to do. And when it comes to forgiving your own children, ask God for extra grace and help in time of need.

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

Do you remember the first time your son jumped off the diving board at the local pool?

Before taking the plunge, he probably stood at the edge of the board—his knees wobbly and his face full of fear. Maybe he didn’t want to “jump,” but your cheers and hollers finally prompted him to take that timid step off the board and into the water.

After jumping off the diving board a dozen more times, your son soon learned that the board isn’t as high as it first looked.

Help your son see that the same is true in life. Many of life’s activities appear scary and intimidating. But courage is the ability to see beyond the fear. It’s taking the plunge to achieve a goal that previously looked impossible.

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

Does your son understand the connection between cause and effect?

Basically, this is the idea of sowing and reaping, or the idea that actions have consequences.

If your son forgets to take out the trash or clean up his room, show him the results. The trash piles over and stinks. Maybe he steps on a toy and accidently breaks it.

By pointing out the principle of cause and effect in small matters, your son will learn that what he says and does has a direct effect on his life. And your action in teaching him this important truth will have a direct connection in helping him live a life that honors the Lord.

Becoming a godly man doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistent training. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow spiritually. Learn more at RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What’s your favorite sport? Is it basketball? Maybe it’s football? What about track or tennis?

For C. T. Studd, his passion was cricket—a popular game played in England. As a professional cricket player, Studd shocked the sports world when he announced his decision to become a missionary to China.

He later said, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

What about you? Are you using your life in meaningful ways?

As a parent, one of your most important responsibilities is investing time and attention in your kids. As you guide them in studying the Bible and loving the Lord Jesus, you honor the Lord with your words and actions.

Make today count. Train your kids in the way they should go.

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

Turkey anyone?

Most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by enjoying a delicious feast. The menu usually includes things like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce.

But the most iconic Thanksgiving food is turkey.

This Thanksgiving, after you’ve gobbled down your meal and two slices of pumpkin pie, don’t be a turkey! Even though you may be tempted to watch football all afternoon, don’t! Instead take a break to enjoy the outdoors with your son. Toss a ball in the back yard. Go for a bike ride. Or if there’s snow on the ground, build a snow fort.

Use the Thanksgiving season to show your son just how thankful you are for him. As you spend time together, you’ll create new traditions and make wonderful memories.

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

Here’s a quiz question: The day after Thanksgiving is known as what?

If you answered, “Black Friday,” you’re absolutely right. That’s when many stores advertise incredible sales—and people willingly gobble up the savings.

Even though it’s nice to score a bargain, don’t let the commercialization of the holiday season distract you with all its gizmos and gadgets.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus reminds us that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

That’s a tough lesson for boys to understand, especially when other kids flaunt the newest video game system or stylish clothes. But by focusing your son’s attention on Christ and helping him realize that “things” don’t guarantee happiness, the attraction of new, sparkly toys will soon fade away.

Guide your son in becoming a godly man. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Who are your son’s heroes?

Many boys admire the superheroes they see in movies, or the athletes that make crowds jump to their feet in awe and wonder.

It’s one thing for boys to wish they could fly through the air or dunk a basketball
. But point out real-life superheroes that make our lives a better place.

People like police officers, firefighters, and military servicemen should be admired because of their selfless service in maintaining law and order and ensuring our safety.

When you see these men and women around, teach your son to show them respect. Encourage your son to shake hands with them and say thanks for all that they do. By demonstrating your own gratitude, you help your son understand that not all superheroes wear capes.

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

When you ask a boy to do something, and he asks “why?” is your typical response: “Because I said so”?

If we want to raise godly boys, we must try to include the “why” behind the “what.”
As parents or mentors to boys, we should be more concerned with their heart transformation than behavior modification.

The best thing we can do is point boys to Scripture, which provides an unmoving foundation for character to be built upon.

Let’s remember Ephesians 6:4, which says, “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Grow up. Be a man!”

The rebuke is usually directed toward a boy who is being whiny or acting childish. But being a man involves much more than simply reaching a certain age.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Becoming a man involves physical, mental, and spiritual growth. All three aspects are necessary in achieving a balanced lifestyle that honors the Lord.

So, how are you doing in helping your son in these areas?

Guide your son in becoming a godly man. Learn about a Proven Process that is helping parents accomplish this. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How about creating a regular meeting time with your son?

For years, every weekday morning, Pastor John Tyson and his son Nate would get up and do a devotional together. They called it their early morning meetings– and Tyson says it blessed both of them immensely.

You can adopt this practice with your own boy. Use your morning drive time to listen and discuss a Bible passage together.  Or, choose a devotional book, and read it together each night before your son goes to bed.

Your son may not talk much during these meetings, especially at first. But I can promise you that God will bless your time together. All you have to do is show up.

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

Ever wonder if your discipline and teaching is really resonating with your son?

Mandy, the mom of a defiant 2-year-old, had been diligently trying to teach her son to clean with a broom and dustpan. But even after lots of repetition, he didn’t seem to be learning it at all. One night, during a temper tantrum, her son threw food on the floor. Mandy couldn’t believe it when her son got a broom and dustpan and cleaned up his own mess.

Parenting your son is really just teaching him the same lesson hundreds– if not thousands– of times. It may seem like your boy isn’t getting it. But don’t lose heart. As Galatians 6:9 says, “you will be rewarded…if you don’t give up.”

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

Your son can learn from your inconveniences.

Jack and his son were driving to football practice when they got a flat tire. By the time they had put on the spare, driven to the mechanic, and replaced the tire, Jack’s son had completely missed his practice. Jack felt bad– but he was grateful his son now knew how to handle a flat tire.

When you experience things like car trouble or house maintenance issues– make sure your son observes how you handle them. More than just learning the practical skills, he needs to see how you handle the challenges of life. So next time you experience an inconvenience– remember your son is learning from your every move.

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

You don’t have to get it perfect. But you do have to get it right.

Raising a son can be one of the hardest experiences of your life. And it’s very easy to focus on all the ways you fall short. Although God never commands you to be a perfect parent– He does give some guidelines.

Ephesians says not to provoke your son. Proverbs reminds you to be diligent in discipline. Deuteronomy encourages you to regularly discuss Scripture with your boy. And of course, we should also pay close attention to the verses about doing all things with love and a gentle spirit.

On the days when you mess up, ask God for grace, ask your son for forgiveness, and keep moving forward. God will give you what you need.

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

Are you raising a “man–ager”?

Pastor Jon Tyson coined this phrase, which describes a man who is physically an adult but still living like a child– playing video games all night, living with his parents, and not pursuing higher education or a stable career.

Pastor Tyson says that one of the biggest things that separates a boy from a man is the confidence to pursue hard things in life.

As your son grows up, be sure to allow him to face difficulties, even in situations when you could easily solve the situation yourself. Your goal is not to give your son an easy, pain-free life– but to give him the skills and confidence he needs to do difficult, worthwhile things, and contribute to society and God’s greater kingdom.

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

“What if you could be a better husband, father, and man without the use of your legs or hands?”

That was the question that Chad Hymas [hi-miss]’s father asked him,  as Chad lay in a hospital bed. He had suddenly become a quadrapaletic after a farming accident. His dad’s words sparked the hope that Chad needed– and today, years later, he is a devoted husband and dad and an inspiring speaker– despite his physical disabilities.

Everyone has limitations– your son included. As parents, it’s important that we help our sons identify and face those limitations head on, as Chad’s dad did.  Remind him that being perfect is not God’s call for his life. He can glorify God not in spite of– but because of and through– his own weaknesses.

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

Why are young boys seemingly always dirty? 

As a father who has had young boys, it’s nearly impossible to keep them clean. But when it comes to spiritual things, how can we help our boys stay pure from the pull of this evil culture we live in?

Psalm 119:9 says, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word. The Word of God will be the light for the path of your son. Living the Word and following the instructions God gives in His Word will preserve and protect your son.

The Bible also declares in Isaiah 55:11 that God’s Word does not return void. Every time to speak the Word, pray the Word, or have your son learn the Word, you are putting into motion God’s will for your child. His Word will not come back empty.

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.

What is a father’s most important role?

Is it providing? Is it Protecting, or teaching? I believe the most important role of a father is affirmation.

The word affirm means to state as fact. As fathers we are to declare to our children, especially our boys who they are and who God says they are. You can provide everything for your son and even teach him great things, but if you never tell him he is valuable and has a purpose, there will be a deficit in his life.

The father of lies that Jesus refers to in John 8 has been lying from the beginning. As fathers we can dispel those lies with truth.

Take time today to tell your son who he is and how special he is to you. Tell him you are proud of him and that you love him. Affirm him!
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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.

Why are boys so wild and crazy?

If you’re a mom of boys but you never grew up with boys you may wonder why they act the way they do. Why they like to climb trees and wrestle. While they take sticks off the ground and act like they are guns. Why they are constantly dirty.

The fact is boys and girls are very different. God made boys to be adventurous and risktakers by nature. They like to explore and be wild.

Our culture has invented a term called toxic masculinity. This term seems to suppress the wild adventurous nature of men and boys.

We need to teach our boys right from wrong and the truth of God‘s word, but we need to let them be boys. Let them be wild and crazy, they’re boys!

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.

When the national anthem is sung or the pledge of allegiance recited, does your son stand and salute the flag?

Since 1777, the American flag has stood as a powerful symbol of American liberty and justice. The stars and stripes remind us of the sacrifice that many men and women gave so that we can enjoy this land of the free.

Teach your son the meaning of the flag’s colors. White signifies purity and innocence. Red indicates courage. And blue is a sign of perseverance and justice.

Even though the flag is a simple piece of nylon fabric, it represents the history, values, and strength of our great nation. Train your son to stand and salute the flag, and in this way honor our American heritage.

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

Did you know that the human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, and the average heart will beat more than three billion times in its lifetime?

Many of the problems boys face today are heart-related — not physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

The heart of the matter is truly a matter of the heart!

As parents raising godly boys, we need to be careful to guard our hearts and help boys guard theirs.

King Solomon said it best in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Can fear actually be a good thing?

According to the Scriptures there are two types of fear. The fear of the Lord and the spirit of fear

Proverbs says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But in 2 Timothy 1:7 it says God has not given us a spirit of fear.

The fear of the Lord is that voice inside of us that tells us what we’re about to do may cause harm. It’s the feeling you get when you are too close to the edge of a cliff.

The spirit of fear is from the enemy and it breeds confusion, anxiety, and ultimately inaction. It keeps people from being able to step out into what God has called them to do.

Take some time today to teach your son the difference between the fear of the Lord and the spirit of fear.
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For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

At sea level, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. But it probably doesn’t take that much heat to make your blood boil. Does your son pretend not to hear you? Is he repeatedly ignoring your instructions? Does he say sarcastic remarks that irritate you?

Parenting boys isn’t easy. The path toward maturity is often steep and bumpy—twisting and turning in unexpected ways. And because boys have a mind of their own, what they think is funny may actually be incredibly rude.

When you feel hot under the collar, take heart. Even though God never promised that the parenting journey would be easy, he promised to provide you help from day to day. And knowing that God is always faithful will help calm and cool your boiling blood.

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

Have you ever been to a circus or zoo where animals perform tricks? Maybe you’ve seen a seal balance a bright red ball on its nose. Or maybe you’ve seen a monkey ride a tiny bicycle.

Training animals takes lots of work and patience. But even more difficult than taming animals is taming the tongue.

James 3:8 says, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

The tongue gets a lot of people in trouble. That’s why it’s important you train your son to guard his tongue. When he gets frustrated, provide tips on how to calm down. Help him understand that even small words can have big consequences. But also help your son realize that words can bring joy and happiness.

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

What poisonous plant is easily identified by its “leaves of three”?

If you said poison ivy, you’re right! When you see its “leaves of three,” you immediately step back. That’s because nobody wants red, itchy skin covered in bumps and blisters.

In the great outdoors, it’s important to teach your son the hazards of poison ivy, but it’s even more important to teach him the hazards of sensuality. Today’s secular culture sexualizes women in movies, magazines, and the internet. For boys who want to guard their thoughts and do right, it’s a tough world out there.

Philippians 4:8 is an excellent reminder to point your son to that which is true, pure, and virtuous. In doing so, you’ll guide him away from the hazardous poisons that cause terrible pain.

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

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?

Kids sometimes use the rhyming words as a comeback against insults. But the rhyme couldn’t be further from the truth.

Words do impact our thoughts and actions. That’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another and build one another up.”

When was the last time you wrapped an arm around your son and told him how proud you were of him? Or when did you last compliment him on a skill, talent, or accomplishment?

We all need encouragement in life. Set the example by using genuine words to build up your son. Those words may impact him more than you’ll ever know.

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

Do you have a junk drawer at home? You know, a drawer where you keep odds and ends like buttons, batteries, and blue highlighters.

Even though small knick-knacks can seem like junk, those tiny objects suddenly become super important when you need them.

The same is true in life. At some point, your son may fail a test at school or miss a crucial pass at a football game. That’s when something as small as an encouraging word or a comforting hug becomes a big deal. Those small actions take just a few seconds, but their effect may last for days or even weeks.

So remember, even though an object or action may seem small, it can still hold super-sized value.

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

When was the last time you looked up at the moon? It’s usually there in the night sky, but we don’t always pay attention to it.

And yet, the waxing and waning of moon phases is an important reminder that time is continually passing.

It’s one thing to ignore the moon, but whatever you do, don’t ignore your son. No matter how busy life becomes, remember to appreciate phases of growth in your son. Whether he’s an infant, toddler, preschooler, or teenager, enjoy each season of development. By intentionally investing your time and talents into your son, you’ll discover the joy of parenthood.

For a little extra help along that parenting journey, Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Learn about their nation-wide programs at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. The fact is … belly buttons look kind of funny! Some stick out like a small marble. Others curve inward like a deep cave. Some are smooth—others super wrinkly.

No matter what your belly button looks like, it’s a reminder of how your mother nourished you through an umbilical cord while inside the womb.

As a dad, you weren’t joined to your son through an umbilical cord, but you still play a vital role in nurturing him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So how are you doing with this God-given responsibility? Are you helping your son grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus?

Becoming a godly man doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistent training. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow spiritually. Learn more at RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember learning to ride a bike? For kids, it’s a BIG deal. But learning to ride a bike takes time—maybe even a few falls and scraped knees.

Perhaps you remember holding onto your son’s bike as he pedaled down the sidewalk. But little by little, you carefully released your grip. At first, just for a second. Then, as your son developed confidence, you let go entirely.

At that point, your son’s smile probably stretched from ear to ear. He’ll never forget that victorious moment—or the fact that you were there beside him, helping him along the way.

Regardless of what stage of life your son is in, learn to carefully release your grip so that your son can ride confidently into the future.

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

Imagine this.

At a garage sale, you wipe the dust off an old genie lamp. Smoke pours out, then poof! A genie stands in front of you. He says, “You freed me from the bottle—I grant you one wish.”

You’re thrilled, but what will you ask for? A work promotion? A sports car? Tickets to the Superbowl?

In 1 Kings chapter 3, King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment. And God granted his desire.

As a parent, make sure you also prioritize wisdom. You can do this by taking a few minutes each day to read a chapter of Proverbs with your son. Not only will you grow together in wisdom, but your son will see that the true source of all knowledge comes from God alone.

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