Raising Godly Boys Minute

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#428: Time to Relax Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Here’s a simple parenting tip– take some time to relax with your boy.
Pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker says that most parents don’t realize the importance of “doing nothing” with sons.
Even if you only have ten minutes, invite your son to sit down on the front porch with you with his favorite snack or drink. Don’t badger him with questions, check your phone, or start lecturing. Simply sit together.
Dr. Meeker says this is important for several reasons. It communicates that rest is an important part of life. It shows your son that he’s worthy of undivided attention. And it’s also an excellent way to get your boy to start communicating his thoughts and feelings. All of those benefits– and you get a short break, too.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#427: His-Story Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

Winston Churchill, British prime minister during World War II, said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
And yet, some in our society are trying to change history, to make it conform to their political, social, and anti-Christian beliefs.
Don’t let unbiblical ideology distort our American heritage. Remind your son that this great nation was founded on biblical principles. Principles like freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.
Unfortunately, our nation is increasingly atheistic, in part, because they don’t understand God’s story—or you might say, His-story—as communicated to us in the Bible.
As a parent, teach your son both His-story and history. In this way, you’ll help your son be better prepared for eternity.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#426: TV and Masculinity Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

What is TV teaching your son about masculinity?
One study about male representation in TV shows studied 25 shows, over three thousand characters, and over four hundred episodes. Researchers found that, across the board, the male characters usually displayed the same negative traits– unhealthy coping mechanisms, aggression, a lack of emotion, and even a lack of care as a father. Without guidance, your son may begin to believe that these behaviors are normal and accepted in men.
Make sure you put limits on your son’s screen time. When he does watch a TV show, take some time to discuss the male characters and their positive and negative behaviors. Teach your son to be a mindful consumer and to filter everything through a Biblical lens.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#425: Dirty Jobs Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Ever heard of the Discovery Channel’s show Dirty Jobs?
As the name suggests, in the show a man named Mike Rowe tries disgusting and dangerous occupations. He tours sewers, learns from roadkill cleaners, removes chewing gum from sidewalks, and helps exterminators.
You’d think such gross content wouldn’t make good television. But the show was a hit among men. Not only does Mike’s investigation of the jobs appeal to our innate love of adventure, Mike also continuously expresses admiration and respect for the people who do those jobs.
This show is a good reminder that every man wants to conquer a challenge and be respected. As you parent your son, be sure he has opportunities for healthy risk and challenge– even if it means he leaves muddy footprints across your floor.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#424: He Needs a Gang Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

Your son needs a gang.
Every young man is asking the same questions– “who is with me, who is in charge, and what is our mission?” Unfortunately, those questions are very clearly answered in violent gangs, which is why so many young men are drawn to such groups.
What your son needs is a group that can answer those questions in a healthy way. Sports teams with positive coaches can offer such environments– so can well run youth groups, engineering clubs, and outdoor adventure groups like Trail Life USA. Let your son try out a few different groups and pick one to invest in. The peer interaction, camaraderie, and structure of the group will spur your son along and give him the kind of mission he’s searching for.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#423: Happiness is . . . Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

What makes you happy? Not just a little happy, but really happy?
Maybe it’s when your team wins the championship, or when you get that work promotion, or when you slice into that perfectly cooked steak.
Those things are fine, but one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your son obediently follow the Lord. Third John 3:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Walking in truth isn’t accidental. It takes time and energy—for you and for your son. Set the example by making God your greatest priority. When your son sees your passion to follow God, he’ll be much more likely to also walk in truth. And that will make you truly happy.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#422: He Needs both Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

Boys need their mom and their dad.
As a mom and dad play with their young son, the mom will remind him to “be careful.” The dad will toss the son into the air and encourage him to run as fast as he can. The boy will ignore his mom and hang onto his dad’s every word.
But when that little boy falls and scrapes his knee, he’ll suddenly stop ignoring his mom. He’ll run to her, seeking comfort.
As they grow up, boys continue to need both the rough, masculine influence of their dad and the comfort of their mom. If either is missing in your son’s life, pray that God will fill in the gaps with a positive mother or father figure.
To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#421: Default Location Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

What’s your son’s default location?
Jackson, a 16 year old, was tinkering on his car in the garage when his mom brought her laptop out and set up a makeshift desk. She didn’t say much– just did her work and asked Jackson, once, what he was working on. When she left an hour later, both she and Jackson were smiling.
She had keyed into a secret of parenting a teen boy– figure out his default location, and be there. It may be the garage, the gym, the football field, or by a gaming console.
Be tactful— don’t interrupt, ask annoying questions, or show up every single night. Give yourself a task and a time limit. Done in the right way, this tactic can help your teen boy feel seen and loved.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#420: Packing for Success Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

If you’ve ever gone backpacking in the great outdoors, you know the importance of bringing the right equipment. You pack a tent, not a tire. You pack matches, not a microwave.
Similarly, when your son heads off to school, make sure he packs the right characteristics. This includes:

Honesty—to complete his own work instead of cheating off others.
Respect—to see people for who they really are, no matter what they look like.
Gratitude—to thank teachers for giving of their time and talent.
Kindness—to make life better when challenges arise. And …
Courage—to stand up and do right, no matter what.

By packing these important virtues, your son can confidently climb the academic mountain while also enjoying the journey.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#419: Dealing with Death Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

Has your son experienced the death of a loved one? Maybe a classmate who died. Or perhaps a grandparent who suddenly passed away.
Dealing with death is hard for everyone. But for kids, it’s especially confusing. A common perception is that boys are tough. But the truth is, we all experience grief and heartache. It’s just that we handle it in different ways.
As a dad, take time to listen to your son. Evaluate what he knows about death and how much support he needs. Remember the good times with that loved one. Then provide comfort—and time to heal from the loss. Offer a hug whenever one is needed.
By being there for your son when life is tough, you demonstrate—in action—your love for him.
For more parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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