Raising Godly Boys Minute

Latest Episodes:

#1179: Is Your Son an Umpire? Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Here’s something you’ll rarely hear shouted during a major league baseball game: “Great call, ump!”
Even the best, most experienced umpire will face constant criticism, taunting, and ridicule for every decision. Spectators only talk them if they are angry about a call that was made.
Consider this. Does your son feel like an umpire in his everyday life– constantly surrounded by criticism? At school, is he teased by his friends? Do his well-meaning teachers focus on the problems he missed? At home, do you remind him of the chores he didn’t do and the vegetables he didn’t eat?
Make it your goal to verbally affirm your son for the things he’s doing well. He needs that affirmation more than you probably realize.
To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1178: Hall of Failures Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

The baseball hall of fame is full of failures.
Consider Joe DiMaggio, one of the all-time top hitters. His batting average was .325. But even that great statistic means that Joe failed to hit the ball almost 70% of the time.
Unfortunately, in our society, boys do not receive the same margin for error. Young men naturally develop slower than their female peers, in both academics and emotional intelligence. But that is often ignored by educators, and boys are quickly labeled “slow” when they simply need more time to develop.
Let’s be like the baseball hall of fame. Let’s focus on the good, give lots of grace for failure, and celebrate each successful hit our boys make in life.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1177: Getting Aligned Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

The player stands at the free throw line, preparing for a critical shot. He takes a few seconds to adjust his arms and his feet. He knows that the only way he can make this shot is if his whole body is in perfect alignment.
For your son, life is the same way. The only way he can succeed is if his beliefs about himself are aligned with the ultimate truth of God’s word. This can be tough, in a society of gender fluidity and cultural relativism.
Regularly discuss with your son what God’s word has to say about current events. Memorize scripture together about his identity in Christ. And pray for godly, positive male mentors to inspire him and show him what a life aligned with Jesus looks like.
To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1176: Bandaids in Bulk Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Your son proudly shows you a new scrape on his knee, reporting that he had a bike wreck while riding down a hill. You grab a bandaid and shake your head. It’s your son’s fifth injury of the week! How can you keep him safe when he seems to crave and seek out risk?
First, encourage him to focus on one or two skills, like skateboarding or snow skiing. Secondly, enroll him in classes so that he learns how to minimize injuries. Of course, don’t forget the helmet, elbow pads, and prayer of protection. And lastly, remember that taking risks is actually crucial for your son’s brain development. Try to relax.
Oh– and buying bandaids in bulk might be a good idea, too.
To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1175: A Different Kind of Time Out Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Getting your young son to sit still for a church service, car ride, or class in school can be a challenge. But one school in Texas doesn’t have this problem. Why? Well, they’ve tripled recess time.
During the school day, the kindergartners and first graders at this school get four, 15 minute recess breaks outside each day. The teachers say the kids are more attentive than ever, and many have even decreased symptoms of ADHD.
So if your son seems grumpy and uncooperative today, why don’t you try a different kind of “time out”? Take a jog with him, ride a bike, or find interesting leaves and flowers. Time outSIDE, letting your boy be a boy, can turn his whole day around.
To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1174: Bring Back Boots Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

There’s something you can do as a family that can increase your son’s attention span, improve his vocabulary, foster deep conversation, and even boost your happiness as a parent. Sound good? Here’s the catch– your son may roll his eyes at first.
I’m talking about reading out loud as a family. Your son may think he’s too old for it now, but researchers have found that the benefits continue even as children become preteens or even teenagers.

Find a compelling adventure book and read a chapter a night together. A good place to start is your local Christian bookstore, which may have some fiction books your son will find exciting. Pop some popcorn and settle on the couch with your boy, and you both will reap the benefits of reading aloud.

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

#1173: Maybe Not Delayed Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

“Your son is delayed.” Those words can fill you worry and even some fear as a parent. But did you know that your son may be perfectly normal, and the system may be incorrect?
Researchers have found that boys’ brains develop more slowly than their female peers’ brains. The public school system doesn’t often take this into account, and a student’s success is measured by standardized tests. This is also true when it comes to behavior. As a result, many boys are labeled delayed when it comes to emotions or intelligence, when, in reality, they will catch up in due time.
Don’t lose heart. And don’t forget to take your worries to God. Your son is perfectly and wonderfully made.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1172: Let's Go Outside Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Breakfast. School. Homework. Dinner. Does your son seem bored or disengaged in his day to day life? Here’s a simple way to add adventure, spontaneity, and excitement to his life: Get him outside!
Nature can actually change your son’s brain for the better. Studies have found that when someone regularly spends time outside, essential regions of the brain, like the hippocampus, grow and retain more gray matter. This makes it easier for your son to pay attention, learn, and remember things.
Start simple. Get a baseball and play catch in your backyard. Look online to find a bike trail or body of water. Your boy will feel more satisfied with his life, and as a bonus, your relationship will most likely improve.
To learn about a Proven Process to raise godly boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1171: He Needs Risk Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

His superman cape flies out behind him majestically, and he lifts his arms. “One, two, three!” Your five year old jumps off the swing set. A short time later, as you drive him to the emergency room with a broken arm, you wonder, “Why in the world did he do that?”
As parents, we remind our kids to be careful, but the truth is that boys don’t just want risk… they need it. Risky play helps your son learn to deal with nervous feelings, adapt to new situations, and improve his gross motor skills.
So what are some examples of safe risky play? Being in the elements and near fire or water. Games like hide and seek. Riding a bike fast.
Just don’t forget to pray for courage…for yourself, of course.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1170: Boys and Hearing Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

“Take out the trash. This is the fourth time I’ve told you,” you tell your son. Your son says “What? I didn’t hear you.”
Here’s a fact that may not surprise you: boys are biologically wired to be bad listeners. Studies have found that, when a boy and girl hear the same sound, the boy will hear it 10 times quieter than the girl will. This is especially true if it’s a high frequency sound, like a woman’s voice.
Since 78% of teachers are female, it’s no wonder that boys are falling behind girls academically. So what can we do as parents? Give our boys grace. Explore alternative learning styles. And yes, we may need to ask several times for the trash to get taken out.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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