Raising Godly Boys Minute Trail Life USA

Boys love football.

And these days, a great benefit of watching football on TV is the instant replay. You can re-watch—and practically relive—those exciting catches, fumbles, and interceptions.

The instant replay is fantastic. But in real life, there is no “redo”. You get only one chance to raise your son through his adolescent years.

But what if you haven’t trained your son as well as you wish you had? If that’s the case, take heart.

C.S. Lewis said,
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

As a parent, you don’t get to redo your child’s youth. Because of that, make each play count so that in the end, you score a win for the glory of God.

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

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.

You can make your son’s day by putting his favorite candy in his backpack— a fruit roll up, a kit-kat, or maybe a Snickers. But what if you could load his backpack with what he needs emotionally, spiritually, and socially, as well?

The critical needs of boys can be symbolized by five survival tools– a compass, a map, a guide, a flashlight, and a mountain.

First, boys need a “compass”– a clear mission, and a “map”– a safe male mentor. Next, your son needs a “guide”– peers to walk beside on the trail of life. The “flashlight” symbolizes every boy’s need for clear boundaries and rules. And finally, young men must have a “mountain”– a real-world challenge.

And of course, giving them their favorite candy can help, too. 

For ideas on meeting the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com

If your son is like most boys, he’s full of curiosity and spontaneity. These characteristics help boys better understand the world around them. But—when not properly controlled—impulsive actions can lead to problems and pain.

Help your son understand how actions have consequences. A great way to do this is to read the Bible with him.
Show him how Samson thought he was invincible—but that he was no match against Delilah.
Point out how Peter thought he could walk on water—but that he sank when he took his eyes off Jesus.

By studying both good and bad examples, your son will gain a better understanding of how to act with discernment and wisdom.

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

If your car has a flat tire, it’s important to fix it fast. If you keep driving on it, the rim will quickly shred the rubber. After that you’ll ruin the alignment, brakes, and suspension. You might even lose control of the vehicle.

Similarly, if your relationship with your son is deflated, it’s important to fix it … fast. Maybe you had a disagreement or misunderstanding with him. Maybe harsh words were said. Maybe impatience won the day.

Regardless of who was at fault, it’s important to patch things up. You don’t want bitterness causing more serious problems down the road. A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in helping you both go the distance.

For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys race ahead in life, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.