Raising Godly Boys Minute

Latest Episodes:

#508: Feelings Words Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Do girls feel more emotions than boys?
David Thomas, a psychologist and author, says this common belief is not true. He says boys feel just as deeply as girls, but often don’t know how to process those feelings as well as girls do.
As parents of boys, it’s important that we help our sons put words to their feelings. One way to do that is to simply discuss emotions out loud. When you’re watching a TV show with your son, discuss what characters seem to be feeling– are they embarrassed? Frustrated?
You can even find charts of feelings words online and put them on your fridge. Help your son find words for his feelings, and you might be surprised to discover the range of emotions he goes through each day.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, go to Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#507: Ground Pad Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Are you sure your son has what he needs for this life?
One mountain hike, a boy showed up without a ground pad to go under his sleeping bag. The nights only dipped into the mid-40’s, but without a ground pad, the cold earth underneath him would have drained heat off his body, leaving him shivering (and not sleeping) all night long.
Check in with your son. Talk to him. Listen to him. Make sure he has the tools he needs for success. Is there something that is draining him every day? Oftentimes, a boy might not tell you what is wrong– he may not know himself, just like the boy who was missing a ground pad.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#506: Big Deal Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

To him, it is a big deal.
When your teenage son faces rejection or embarrassment, your first instinct may be to say, “Son, in the scheme of things, this is not a big deal.”
But that might not be the best approach. Through MRI scans of teenage brains, psychologists have actually found that a teen’s amygdala– the part of the brain that senses negative emotions– is much more reactive than a child’s brain or an adult’s brain.
So instead of telling your son to stop worrying, empathize. Recall a similar situation you’ve been in and how it made you feel. Suggest he does something like working on his car or walking his dog. Help him find healthy coping mechanisms, and he’ll start to learn how to better handle negative experiences.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#505: Pocketknife Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

Do you remember when you got your first pocketknife?
Cody got his first pocketknife as a birthday present from his grinning grandfather under the watchful scowl of his mother. The first thing he did was cut himself and get a bandaid put on his finger.
As he grew in years and maturity, he learned to responsibly handle his knife, and went on to teach other boys how to sharpen, care for, and safely use their knives. But it all started with a cut.
Boys need curated danger– the opportunity to run real risks, albeit small ones, to test themselves against life. Give your son the gift of risk. Canoeing, football, and rock-climbing all have their risks, but pay their rewards in character.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#504: Luther Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever seen a boy transformed?
One member of an outdoor youth program was a troubled teen who had spent time in Juvie, and was likely headed for prison.
His leaders worked hard to mentor him, teach him, and praise every effort he gave, no matter how small.
From annoyed disinterest to tolerance, he slowly began to listen. To everyone’s surprise, he became one of the most faithful members, showing up for every meeting, and helping out with anything asked of him.
As he grew older, not only did Luther stay out of prison, but he has a good job and a wonderful family, all because someone invested in his life.
For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#503: Relationship with Jesus Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

How can you teach your son how to have a relationship with Jesus?
A parent of a prodigal child was reflecting on his kid’s growing up years, and said, quote:“I’ve realized that we raised our children in church, but not in Christ.” [end quote]
How can we teach our boys to abide in Jesus?
First, we have to make sure our own walk with the Lord is growing. Second, encourage your son to not just attend a church service, but also join a small group and serve in a ministry. And finally, let your son have his own relationship with God. He might not connect with God exactly how you do. Trust that our clever Creator will speak to your son on His own terms.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#502: Knight Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Has your son ever wanted to be a knight?
Plastic swords and armor strewn about his room, breastplate dangling from his bedpost, and picture books of Teutonic knights adorn many a boy’s room.
What is it about righting wrongs, defeating evil tyrants and rescuing the innocent that calls out to a boy?
The Bible says, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” God teaches us a desire to save the helpless and see righteousness prevail in his word.
Affirm your son's desires to do right, to help save others and to rescue the perishing. You may be amazed at the size of his heart for helping others.
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#501: Boy Parenting Simplified Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

It’s easier than you think.
In her book Boys Will Be Boys, Dr. Meg Meeker jokingly describes a fictional encounter between a father and a son. The dad says, “Hey son, I’ll see you later, I’m going to a seminar on how to be a better father!” And the son answers,: “Oh, that’s easy dad, just hammer some nails with me.”
Dr. Meeker’s brilliant point is that good and godly parenting is a lot more simple than we think. Although a doctor’s advice is sometimes needed, ultimately there’s only two voices you need to listen to: God’s, and your son’s. Dr. Meeker says if you pay close enough attention to your son, you will soon see what he truly needs. Combine that with a prayer for wisdom, and you can parent with confidence.
To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#500: Firebreak Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

How does a boy know he is becoming a man?
Sometimes, life tells them along the way.
Late in the dry summer, Robert looked out his back door, and saw smoke billowing across his property. A growing fire crawled across his neighbor’s pasture, and threatened to roar into the woods on his land. He yelled for his two boys, 12 and 15, threw rakes into the truck, and drove toward the fire.
Jumping into action, he and the boys beat back the flames, creating a firebreak and saving the woods - and the elementary school on the other side.
Grimy, exhausted, thirsty, and hearts racing with pride they performed a man’s work that day, those two boys knew they were becoming men.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#499: Boy Body Image Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

What does your son think about his looks?
The media has been focusing a lot on a positive body image movement for girls. But it’s easy to forget that our sons can also feel pressure from peers to have a “perfect” body. How can you help your son have a healthy body image?
First, and perhaps most importantly, get your son involved in outdoor physical activity. When he’s with friends, sweating, competing, and having a great time, he’ll feel good physically. Second, refrain from making comments about his body, whether good or bad. Compliment character traits instead– like how he prayed at dinner or how he was patient with his sister. And finally, memorize verses together about our intrinsic worth in Christ– the true source of ultimate confidence.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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