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.

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.

How does a boy learn right from wrong?

Sometimes, boys can learn more from our mistakes than from our teaching.  Brian had just finished teaching ax and saw safety to a troop of boys eager to build towers and rope bridges.  While loading his equipment, he carelessly tossed a saw that bounced and rolled to within a foot of the boys he had just taught about safety.

Everyone froze.  They all stared as he pulled out his wood tools safety card, and handed it to the 14-year-old troop leader, who tore it up and said he would have to take the safety course again!

Brian graciously accepted the consequences from a boy leader.  All the boys learned that day that real men accept responsibility.

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

Do you know where the world’s tallest skyscraper is located?

At an incredible height of 2,722 feet (just over half a mile), Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, is almost 500 feet taller than the second-tallest skyscraper.

If you want to build high, you must first dig deep and build a foundation below the surface.

As a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you can help build a deep and firm biblical foundation for children.

A child’s foundation of faith is best built by purposefully and consistently sharing God’s truths with them through what you say and do.

Use the time you have with them to teach them God’s Word and how it applies to their lives.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever seen good advice ignored, with hilarious results?

I heard about a boy who camped with a new group of friends in a campground he knew well.  It flooded frequently, and was nicknamed, “The Swamp.”  All of the adults and other boys ignored his advice to camp on higher ground, and they pitched their tents in the easy, sandy soil.

Finding the highest ground, he slept through the night to the lullaby sound of rhythmic drumming rain, and woke to find the camp a wet, soggy shambles, while he was high and dry.

Many times, easiest is not best, and it is good to listen to the voice of experience.

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here’s an idea to connect with your son: show him your high school yearbook.

First, let him make fun of your outdated haircut and clothes. Show him the picture of your basketball team, and the page where it says you were voted class clown.

Next, show him pictures of your friends. Talk about what friendships ended and which ones have lasted through the years.

And finally, talk about the power of choices. Be honest about what you’re proud of and what you regret. Share about your relationship with your own parents at that time. Show your son how God used both the good and the bad for His own glory in your life. After all, as the verse in Revelation reminds us, we overcome through the word of our testimony.

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

Why is there an attack on biblical manhood?

All around us, the very idea of a man as a devout father, provider, and hard worker is ridiculed and torn down.  A spineless, conforming, weak-willed androgyne is modeled, and we are told to sacrifice our sons to modern culture.

How can you keep your son safe from these attacks?

Model godly character.  What he sees in you, he will follow.

Provide godly mentors.  Show him a standard he can trust and hold.

Give him a challenge.  Overcoming small challenges like a canoe trip, daily spiritual disciplines, a rock-climbing adventure, or a mountain peak will give him the confidence to go against the grain and become a godly man of character.

For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“In a thousand feet, turn left.”

Imagine that you’re driving in a town you’ve never visited before. The GPS on your phone is telling you what turns you need to make.  But suddenly, your phone’s battery dies. Without your GPS, you feel lost, alone, and you wonder if you’ll even make it to your desired destination.

That “lost”  feeling is what many young men experience in our society today. In the confusion of cultural relativism, mixed roles, and gender fluidity, boys don’t know who they are supposed to be.

The solution is that boys need two things– a biblical foundation, and godly mentors. With those two things, boys can develop confidence and direction, so they can learn to navigate the unfamiliar interstate of life.

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

Why do boys love adventure?

Mark Twain said, “There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy’s life that he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.”

The search for adventure drives some boys to video games, where they can conquer kingdoms and gain virtual accolades.  Others find their adventures in sports.

But deep down, the call of the woods, the wild, the mountains and the seashore live deep in all young boys.

You can feed that desire and strengthen the bond with your son at the same time.  Take him on a wilderness adventure, or hike to a waterfall, or camp in the woods by a crackling fire amidst the lightning bugs.  Lead him on his adventure!


For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Doesn’t it seem like the more you want your son to talk, the less he will?

Of course, some boys are talkative. But generally speaking, your son is not going to volunteer a lot of information about his day.

One reason is biological. Males have fewer language centers in their brain than females, and process things internally. Your son may also feel the pressure from you to share, and is backing away because he feels like he just isn’t going to be able to give you enough.

Here are a few ways to get your son to open up. First, try shoulder-to-shoulder instead of face to face communication. Some boys relax more when they’re walking or sitting beside you in a car, and share more. Second, allow silence. You may just be talking too much yourself. And third, lower the pressure and lower your expectations.

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

What makes worship, worship?

Jesus defined worship for the Woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well in John 4:23 and 24.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

We should teach our children to worship God wherever they are, not just at church.

What matters most in worship?  The posture of our hearts and minds. He should be our focus. Locations and details change, but He is eternal and unchanging.

Let’s lead our boys to worship God “in spirit and truth.”

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you ask your son what it means to be brave, what would he say?

Your son would probably answer that bravery is entering a dangerous situation or saving  someone’s life– and that’s true.

But in this day and age when depression and suicide rates of teenage boys are at a crisis point, your son needs to know that there’s another way to be brave– asking for help.

Give your son small exercises in asking for help in everyday life– with his homework, with his chores, or at public places. Model getting help when you need it yourself. And when your son comes to you with a problem, be sure to listen with a nonjudgmental attitude. Remind him that even the Savior of the world– Jesus– cried out for help to his own Father.

To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Where should a boy turn to when he needs wisdom?

Today, through the internet and other sources, there is more information available than ever before.

But the best source of information and wisdom is found in a book written thousands of years ago — the Bible. The book of Proverbs is especially powerful when it comes to seeking wisdom.

We often think we need a “life hack” to navigate life’s most difficult situations. But all we need is God’s Word and His Spirit living in us.

If you or your son needs wisdom today, turn to Proverbs and ask God for His help. He delights in giving it in abundance.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here’s a startling statistic:

The average iPhone screen time for an adult in the United States is around seven hours each day. But the average amount of time a parent spends with their child is only about two hours a day.

Here are some screen-free ideas for connecting with your son today.

Make banana splits with your boy. Build a lego garage for his cars. Campout in the living room. Have him help you make a family photo album. Find a nontraditional holiday online, and celebrate it together. Turn on some music, and find different things around the house to drum on.

Whatever it is, put your phone down and spend some quality time with your son today. You will both enjoy the benefits.

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

Do you remember when someone gave you bad advice? Did you take it? If so, what were the results?

When seeking advice, who or what can you trust?

The most trustworthy source of truth is the Bible. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The best first step in all situations is going to God and asking for His guidance.

Seeking advice from family, friends, co-workers, pastors, counselors, and others isn’t wrong, especially from fellow Christians who know the Word.

But seek God first and teach boys to do likewise, making sure that any human advice agrees with the Source of Truth, Jesus Christ.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

His face was shattered– and so were his dreams. 

When James Clear was in high school, he had big plans to be a baseball star. But one day, he was hit in the face with a baseball bat, and suffered a brain injury. 

That’s when James discovered a powerful concept. As he recovered, he began to hone in on the small habits in his life, then started to work on his baseball skills again. Years later, James made ESPN’s All-American player list, and now credits the small habits for the reason for his success. 

Share this story with your teen boy today. Remind him that the little, monotonous habits– like making his bed– are really a training ground for challenges he’ll face later in life. 

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

Do you hear voices?

There are many voices in the world competing for our attention, but none can compare to the voice of the Lord. 

God speaks to His children, sometimes audibly, but mostly through His Word, the Bible.

Are you listening for and to God’s voice? Or are you letting worldly voices silence Him?

How can you recognize God’s voice? 

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

God’s voice will never contradict His Word. And when we hear God’s voice, we need to obey Him.

Let’s teach boys to recognize and heed God’s voice before any other voices.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Rachel’s six-year- old son loves to play t-ball. He admires his coach and enjoys carrying around his bat. But there is one thing he loves more than anything else– his bright green uniform.

There’s a reason for this. As young men grow up and learn to navigate social settings, they are always asking three questions– “Who is with me?” “Who is in charge?” And, “What is our mission?”

On sports teams, the uniform is a symbolic answer to those questions. In life, it’s not always so clear. It’s up to us as parents to help our son find positive peers, such as in a church setting; introduce him to godly mentors and dad-like figures; and remind him to live for an audience of One– and glorify his Creator.

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

Do you remember the last time your child lied to you and how it made you feel?

According to research, parents are the primary victims of lying, with 86 percent of lies being told to them.

Kids often believe they are clever enough to fool their parents, but fathers and mothers usually see right through their lies.

Parents are not as easily deceived as children think. Most of the time, the truth is clear and will come out sooner or later.

We should remind our children that God is omniscient. He knows everything we say and do. 

Telling the truth may be hard sometimes, but honesty, truly, is the best policy.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Do yourself a favor. Take a kid fishing.”

That’s a quote from a man named Frank White, who produced a show called Southern Sportsman. He would say those words at the end of every broadcast.

Psychologists would agree with his suggestion. Fishing gives your son an opportunity to be outside, practice problem-solving skills, and connect with others. One study even found that combat veterans who went to a fly fishing retreat slept better and showed less symptoms of stress.

It’s fairly easy and cheap to get started. Many public libraries have rods and reels to check out for free. Go to your state’s game and fish department website and find a local body of water. Then, cast a line out with your son, and  marvel together at God’s amazing creation.

For more ideas to raise boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you tell if someone needs encouragement?

If they are breathing, according to Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A.

Children can easily and quickly become discouraged, especially when tired or stressed, and become negative, self-critical, and depressed.

The Bible mentions “encouragement” a lot, including Hebrews 3:13, which tells us to “encourage each other daily.”

You can create an encouraging environment for your loved ones by building up and encouraging them more than criticizing and correcting them. 

Kids will know it is OK and safe to make mistakes and learn that God can use their failures to help them grow.

Parents should be their family’s CEO — Chief Encouragement Officers.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your teen boy is going through a lot of changes. You might need to change a bit, too.

Of course, the fundamentals of godly parenting and discipline will stay the same. But as your son matures, it’s important to take a step back and prayerfully consider that a change in approach may be helpful.

For instance, a teen boy will most likely pull away from his mom and gravitate towards his dad. This is normal and healthy, and experts say to encourage that relationship. Many high school boys are also extremely hard on themselves and sensitive to criticism, so be sure to ramp up the encouragement and empathy. And finally, teen boys are dealing with a lot of hormones and emotions. Encourage your son to pursue healthy outlets, especially outdoor physical activity.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you heard the saying, “Life is better together”?

The Bible puts it this way in Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Here are five ways you can live out being better together as a family.

Read together. Read the Bible and other books as a family.

Learn together. Share what God is showing you as read His Word. 

Talk together. Talk about what God is doing in your life.

Pray together. Thank God for all He's done for your family and pray for your family and other people.

Memorize scripture together. Like the psalmist, let’s hide God's Word in our hearts so that we will not sin against Him. 

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

What can you give your children and grandchildren that won’t cost you any money and will last forever?

Parents and grandparents who teach their children and grandchildren to know, love and follow Jesus will leave a spiritual inheritance that will last for generations and into eternity.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Have you encouraged your children or grandchildren to follow God? Do you pray for them to know and love Him? If you do not have children, are there any kids in your church or neighborhood for whom you could regularly pray?

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“What does successful parenting look like?”

If you ask a group of parents this question, you would get a lot of different responses.

Most parents want their kids to graduate high school and college, get a good job, get married, have children, and live “happily ever after.”

As a parent, you can easily become focused on worldly success and helping your kids achieve the “American Dream,” but that’s not the goal in Christian parenting.

Your goal should be to raise your kids to know, love, and follow Jesus!

If you raise your boys to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength, you have achieved parenting success.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.