Raising Godly Boys Minute

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#128: Mulligan Jun 02, 2022

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Fore!
If you’ve ever played golf, you’re probably familiar with the term “mulligan.” That’s a fancy word that simply means “do-over.” If you’re on the tee and you slice the ball off into the trees, you might shout, “Mulligan!” You’re basically saying that you want a second try.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a parenting “mulligan” every once in a while? Maybe you chose your favorite TV show over spending time with your son. Or maybe you reacted impatiently during a moment of frustration.
Even though you can’t have a parenting do-over, you can always start fresh from where you are! The key is to purpose in your heart to do a better job, and then ask the Lord for strength and wisdom to follow through.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#127: The Power of Parables Jun 01, 2022

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Parents, have you been there?
Your son has tears in his eyes as he shows you that he got another “D” on his math test. You start explaining why perseverance is important, but his eyes glaze over. You decide to try a different approach.
“Son, did I ever tell you about the two classes I failed in middle school?” Your boy raises his eyebrows. You’ve piqued his interest.
It’s easy for us as parents to try lecturing to get our points across. But when Jesus walked on earth, he didn’t give long speeches. Instead, he told stories.
Use the same strategy with your son. When he’s discouraged, recall a struggle you overcame when you were his age, and share that with him. You just might teach him a lesson he will never forget.
For more ideas for raising boys to be Godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#126: Paddle Forward May 31, 2022

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Your son is enjoying a day kayaking down a river. Suddenly, he hears rushing water, and sees rapids up ahead. His heart beats fast, and he begins to paddle forward, right into the waves.
In life, watching your son head straight into challenging territory can be a frightening and stressful experience. But there’s a reason God wired boys to crave adventure, excitement, and risk. Child development specialists have found that taking risks is an essential part of growing up, and gives boys excellent coping skills, self confidence, and the ability to fail well.
So don’t be afraid. Equip your son with knowledge, say a prayer, and let him paddle forward. On the other side of those rapids is an amazing opportunity.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#125: Match the Hatch May 30, 2022

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Ever heard the phrase “match the hatch”? It reminds fishermen that the best way to catch fish is to figure out what the fish are eating. But did you know this concept could help you get your teenage son involved in church, too?
Pay close attention to what activities your boy is drawn toward the most. Does he love music and playing an instrument? Encourage him to get involved in the church praise team. Is he into skateboarding? Search for a local Christian skater group. Does he love the adventure of video games? Get him involved with Christian outdoor groups, like Trail Life USA.
Don’t pull your son away from the things that interest him– instead, “match the hatch” and find a Christian community related to his favorite activity.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#124: Is Your Son an Umpire May 27, 2022

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.

#123: Hall of Failures May 26, 2022

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.

#122: Getting Aligned May 25, 2022

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.

#121: Band-Aids in Bulk May 24, 2022

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.

#120: A Different Kind of Time Out May 23, 2022

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.

#119: Bring Back Books May 20, 2022

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.

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