Raising Godly Boys Minute

Latest Episodes:

#1149: Involvement Leads to Learning May 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

#1148: Lost Expectations Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

#1147: Magic Motivation Words Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Do you know the four magic words to motivate your son?
These four words are powerful. These words might help your boy pay attention at school or cause him to clean his room.
Are you ready for the four words? They are:
“Here’s what’s at stake.”
You see, boys are motivated by challenges. And when they don’t know what’s at stake, it’s hard for them to stay focused.
Here’s an example. Maybe your son lacks motivation in his art class. If so, consider this– does he understand why learning about art is important?
Sometimes, the “what’s at stake” will be a natural consequence– and other times, you may have to create a consequence for your son. Either way, use the four magic words “here’s what’s at stake”-- and you just might see your son be motivated.
For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1146: Teen Brain Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

“What were you thinking?” Most parents ask their son this question at least once.

Preteens and teens often make decisions without considering consequences. There’s a valid reason for this. Teen brains are still developing. The portion of their brain responsible for planning ahead and understanding the if-then effects, the prefrontal cortex, isn’t fully mature until the mid-20's. Until then, they need us to steer them toward healthy choices.

Their brains develop properly as they exercise positive decision-making skills. That means taking some risks, like learning tricks on a skateboard, and reaping the rewards while resisting unhealthy temptations, like staying up late or spending too much time staring at screens.

So, don’t be too hard on your son when his decisions appear impulsive; applaud him when he makes healthy choices.

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

#1145: Transformation Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Do you ever use things around you to teach truth? Jesus did it all the time.

A caterpillar, wrapping itself in a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful butterfly, is a good example of this teaching process. The caterpillar enters its “tomb,” dies to its former life of destroying plants, and changes into something wondrous and beneficial to those around it. We call it “metamorphosis.”

The Apostle Paul used this word Romans 12:2 when he said we were to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind…” By doing so, Paul says, a person dies to a former life, and becomes something heavenly.

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, the truth of the caterpillar is something little minds and hearts can comprehend. That’s why Jesus taught this way. He used simple illustrations, but oh, how profound is the truth.

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

#1144: Hike Ultimate Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

How can you get your son to unplug from his electronics and go outside? You know his bones and muscles are atrophying with no activity, but how can you help him become the young man he has the potential to be?
Dane enrolled his son in Trail Life. On his first hike, he thought he might have made a mistake, for it was a long, exhausting trek up the side of a mountain. But when the other boys broke out frisbees and his son was sprinting across the meadow playing a game of ‘Ultimate’ even after a long hike, he knew he made the right decision.
Challenge your son. Give him an adventure. Only God knows what he can become.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1143: Learning to Respect Women Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Does your son know what it means to respect women?
He certainly isn’t going to learn this by watching society. Best-selling author and father Dave Willis says parents must be intentional about teaching their sons to view the opposite sex in a healthy way.
First, Willis says to have clear conversations. Discuss what behavior is and isn’t OK. Point out that, while Jesus was on earth, he treated women with utmost kindness and honor. Secondly, model respect. If you’re a single mom, seek out a male mentor for your son who you know treats women kindly.
And finally, encourage expressions of healthy masculinity. Help your son find a community of positive peers and male mentors. This could be a youth group, an after-school program, or an outdoor adventure program like Trail Life USA.
To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1142: Peter Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Life is hard. Is your son ready?

Does he have the tools to come face-to-face with the things you went through– and overcome?
When the disciple Peter stepped out of the boat to follow Jesus, it was a great act of intense faith. But the roar of wind and waves around him took his focus from Christ, and he began to sink.
Teach your son to focus intently on the face of Christ, and seek him with his whole heart. Live out for him the word of God as his map and compass through this life. Give him godly mentors to show him the way, and godly young men to help sharpen his faith to face the tests of life– and overcome.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1141: Get Moving Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

“Boys, time to take three laps around the house.”
My homeschool friend recognizes the need for her sons to get up and move several times a day. So, once an hour the kids go outside and run around for ten minutes.
Boys learn best when their entire body is involved in the process. That’s why they’re naturally restless and rambunctious. Their instinct is to keep moving. When their body is in motion, their brain is more engaged, which allows for a better learning environment.
The next time you want to help your son absorb some facts, combine the learning experience with an activity. They can recite memory verses while bouncing a basketball or listen to a book while shuffling a deck of cards. The information is more likely to stick.
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1140: Video Reality Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Does your son play video games?

A grandfather asked his grandson, “Why do you like playing Fortnite so much?” His grandson’s reply was telling: “Because I’m good at it.”

Why do we have such an inner drive? To be good? To win? Sometimes at the expense of others? The answer lies in The Fall. Mankind was created, and God said it was “very good.”* Everything Adam and Eve needed was woven into them to worship God and obey Him.

However, when they decided to believe the serpent instead, that inner drive became corrupted. And, unfortunately, the rest is history.

Teaching our boys what true goodness is, by showing them the life of Jesus, takes this concept out of the fake worlds of video games and plants it firmly in the real world around them.

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.
*Genesis 1:31

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected