One of life’s great challenges is learning to not just go with the flow, because sometimes the flow goes in the wrong direction.

We live in a day of great distraction. Because of the digital age, information flows constantly. Some say we have become the society that is looking down – always checking our phones, tablets, and devices.

These tools of mass distraction can cause us to miss important things in life. Many families cannot sit through a meal without everyone checking their phones.

As father figures, let’s encourage and set an example for our boys to not always be tied to an electronic device. We can spur them on to play outdoors, read a good book, or build something with their hands.

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

John Wesley, a famous 18th century preacher, said, “There is no such thing as a solitary Christian.”

As parents, we want to raise our kids to love the Lord and be responsible adults. But challenges from the worldly culture around us make parenting tough. Sometimes so tough that we grow discouraged when we don’t see immediate results.

When you feel this way, remember that parenting isn’t a solitary process. That means you don’t have to go it alone. A variety of Christian resources are available. Church staff as well as family and friends are often willing to help out when they know there’s a need.

Raising boys isn’t for the faint of heart. That’s why Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you manage your time properly?

In the craziness of normal everyday life, it’s easy to lose track of time.

Perhaps your son starts school at 8 am. You’ve got a work meeting at 10 a.m. Soccer practice begins at 3:15 in the afternoon. And, of course, there’s church, piano lessons, and dozens of other activities that you and your family participate in.

The question is, are you punctual or persistently late?

Don’t let tardiness become a habit. Figure out how much time you need to prepare and travel to your destination. Organize your schedule so that you arrive on time, even if hiccups occur along the way.

By managing your time, you teach your son dependability—an important character trait that will help him thrive throughout life.

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

Remember this famous quote?

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” President John F. Kennedy during his inaugural address in 1961.

As Christian men trying to raise godly boys, our mantra should be, “Ask not what God can do for me; ask what I can do for God.”

It’s natural for us to think about ourselves first and not what we can do for God and what we can give back to him, including our time, talents, and treasure.

As the Bible says, you must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a cheerful giver.”

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

Successful living involves risk-taking.

Over 300 people rejected Colonel Sanders’ special recipe for Southern fried chicken before he received a “yes.” Today, because of his persistence, KFC boasts 20,000 restaurants in 125 countries.

We are wise as parents to instill in our boys the value of adventurous living. When we do, we cannot control the outcome. But we can control ourselves.

We can make taking risks a healthy part of our family culture. We can encourage our boys to try new tasks, sports, instruments, and friendships.

We cannot create risk-free lives for our children. That world doesn’t exist. What we can do is teach them the value of trusting God, not always playing it safe, and enjoying the process.

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

Do you break your own rules?

You no doubt have rules for your son– like no texting while driving, and no procrastinating on his homework assignments. But if your son constantly sees you breaking your own rules, he will struggle to have respect for you.

 Of course, your boy does need to know that parents have more authority than kids. But, to the best of your ability, demonstrate the good habits you want your son to have– for instance, put your phone down while you drive and don’t procrastinate on your chores.

And when you inevitably mess up— try to be a good example then, too. Demonstrate asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility for your mistakes. Your son will emulate you far more than he listens to you.

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

Want to make a powerful imprint on the lives of children?

I believe the most powerful method the Lord gave parents to influence our children is the simple practice of family worship.

In our sophisticated age, we may forget the spiritual power of opening the Bible, reading it to our families, and leading in prayer. God made it simple: pick up the Word, share it, and lead others to the throne of grace.

Charles Spurgeon said, “If we want to bring up a godly family . . . let us seek to train them up in the fear of God by meeting together as a family for worship.” Let’s be on the alert, parents and mentors, to impact our families for the Lord Jesus.

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

Is it attention deficit disorder– or dad deficit disorder?

In his book Raising Boys, Steve Biddulph tells a powerful story about a dad named Don. Don’s son was diagnosed with “attention deficit disorder.” This was years ago, before ADD knowledge was so widespread, so Don misunderstood the diagnosis. He thought it meant that his son simply needed more attention. When school was out, Don started taking his son with him on his truck driving routes. Within months, his son showed remarkable behavior improvement– and even came off his ADD medication.

Many ADD diagnoses are very legitimate. But it’s likely that your son is also deficient in attention from you. Take some time today to put your phone down and give your boy some quality time.

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

What will you leave to your children and the generations that come after you?

The saying, “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,” is a poignant reminder that you can’t take anything with you in death, but you can leave something behind by how you live.

Your children are watching you and learning from you day by day. Are you leading them closer to Christ or further from him?

Teach them about Jesus by how you live for Him, and you will leave a lasting legacy.

Remember what British missionary C.T. Studd wrote in his famous poem, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past” — only what’s done for Christ will last.

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

How can we instill integrity into our children?

Teach them that we always live in God’s presence.  Jesus is always in the room.

As a family, read books or listen to radio theater stories of godly people like Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Corrie ten Boom, and William Wilberforce, for example. Discuss lessons from their lives

Children need to feel valued as they learn to speak truth. If parents immediately berate a child if they share a differing opinion from their own, children will subtly learn to mask some truth.

No better training exists than parents living lives worth replicating.  Those little ones see us day in and day out. May our children find us to be people of integrity – the real deal on the inside.

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

David. Moses. Abraham. Peter.

While all of these men achieved amazing things for God, they all also had shortcomings.

In the same way, the great men who built this country were also flawed. There’s a trend in culture right now to dismiss their heroism, and choose instead to emphasize their shortcomings. But as Theodore Roosevelt once pointed out, [quote], “far better is it to dare mighty things…than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much.” [end quote]

It’s not necessary to pretend that the Bible– or our nation’s history– is only made up of perfect people. The fact that God can use even the most flawed men to achieve great things for His Kingdom is just the inspiring message our sons desperately need to hear.

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

How high is heaven above the earth? 

The distance is immeasurable, just like God’s love for you.

As the Bible says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love for those who fear him.”

King David paints a powerful word picture in his psalm, writing that God “has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” 

If you have turned to God and trusted in his son, Jesus Christ, God has completely removed your sin and eternally separated you from it. 

When you watch a sunrise, be reminded of God’s forgiveness and mercy toward you. There’s nothing anyone can ever do to cause God to love you any less.

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

Digital technology has become controlling, addictive, and intrusive.

Parents, it’s ok for you to be the “bad guy” about the use of electronics. Don’t let the culture squeeze you into its mold. Our children don’t need endless hours of internet and television exposure. Scientific studies show that too much digital time actually alters brain patterns. Consider not allowing “screen time” during the week unless all school work is done. On the weekends, limit the number of hours of screen time a day.

Go outside. God created us to interact with His natural world. Lead your boys in enjoying the outdoors and engaging in physical exercise. Children still need time to play in the dirt, walk in the woods, and foster their imagination.

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

What memories do you have with your grandfather?

The power of a grandpa’s love in a young man’s life cannot be understated. Child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch once counseled a 10-year-old boy who lived thirteen hours from his grandpa. This boy didn’t see his grandpa very often, but talked about him every single day. She asked the boy to describe what his grandpa meant to him, and the boy was moved to tears.

Relationships with extended family can be complicated– and many people don’t live near their children’s grandparents. But, as much as you can, be intentional about fostering your son’s relationship with his grandfather. This can be through phone calls, letters, visits, or fishing trips. You’ll be benefiting your son more than you may even realize.

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

Do any of your son’s friends have absent dads?

It’s likely they do. Over 19.5 million children– or one in four– don’t live with their dad. Fatherless boys are more likely to struggle in school, have behavioral problems, and participate in risky behaviors.

Take note of your son’s peers who don’t spend time with their dads. The next time you plan a father-son fishing trip, bike ride, or hike, be quiet but intentional about inviting one of those boys.

Your presence will benefit that young man greatly, and you may also be giving his mom or caregiver a much needed break. Plus, you can help open your son’s eyes about helping those who may need some extra encouragement. All it takes is an invitation.

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

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.

Does your walk match your talk?

Nobody likes “fake,” hypocritical people. As a Christian father figure and mentor, you need to live out of your faith authentically because people are constantly watching you.

I heard about a man who heard that his Christian co-worker had an accident at work. After asking if he was OK, his next question was, “Did he cuss?”

How you act is equally as important as what you believe. How is your walk with Jesus right now?

Trail Life USA’s motto is “Walk Worthy.” Be careful how you live daily so “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

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

How can we parents create margin in our families to build unity? 

Play games together. Make a collection of board games. Develop the habit of occasionally clearing the table for game night. As children get older, families can invest in games that take longer to play. Playing board games allows for lots of interaction and often leads to laughter!

Read to your children. Build the expectation into your family that everyone should be readers. Provide age-appropriate material for your children. The local library is a wonderful resource that can be used again and again. There is a time to say, “OK, we’ve watched enough television, and you’ve spent enough time on electronics. Let’s spend some time reading?”

We are making choices today that will affect our children tomorrow.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do we raise servants?

Children learn how to serve others in part by watching adults serve.  Serving others includes stepping up to the plate and stepping out to meet needs.

An older pastor said, “When our children were young, I pastored a small church with no other children or activities. My kids were part of starting new groups, ministries, and opportunities. None of that was handed to them. Today, as adults, they are leaders and servants. I think being required to serve at church made them the people they are today.”

We should look for ways to teach children to serve.  We remember Jesus said He came not to be served but to serve. 

They are people who don’t just watch what’s happening. They make things happen.

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

We can learn something valuable about our sons from Peter Pan.

In her book Boy Talk, child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch makes an observation about the Lost Boys in the story of Peter Pan.

These boys are seemingly living the dream. They have no parents, and no school–  just adventures all day long. But interestingly, they still long for one childhood comfort– the bedtime story.

As your son grows up, it’s important that you let him be a boy. But even while he’s pursuing his masculine tendencies, don’t forget that he needs emotional nurturing, too. Take a few minutes for a hug– or sit and eat a snack with him. Your “lost boy” may not admit it, but he still needs those moments in the midst of all of his adventures.

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

How can we raise boys who love adventure?

Here are a few simple ways to encourage boys to not always play it safe but develop their God-given spirit of bravery:

Encourage outdoor family activities that involve a healthy level of risk.  Whitewater rafting, tubing on rivers, and waterfall hiking are a few. 

Selectively allow children to oversee their own projects.  It’s messy and not “perfect,” but they can own it.

Enjoy adventurous yard toys like zip-lines and trampolines.  We can’t always play it safe!

Plan vacations to new places.  Try different cities, restaurants, and entertainment. 

As God shapes the lives of our children, He can use the raw material of learning to take risks and mold them into people who change their worlds!

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

Do you remember the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”?

The song’s lyrics talk about God, saying:

• He’s got the wind and the rain in his hands.
• He’s got the little, tiny baby in his hands.
• He’s got you and me, brother, in his hands.
• He’s got you and me, sister, in his hands.
• He’s got everybody here in his hands. 

The Bible says God holds on to us with his “righteous right hand.”

This image shows us God’s power – and our utter helplessness and dependency on him. But you have no reason to fear because of God’s promised protection.

So, while things may get messy and scary, you can rest assured that God will always hold you in his hands.

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

Is your son able to “blend” his emotions?

When going on a hike, you bring along a bar that contains a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, since your body needs  different nutrients to stay healthy.

In the same way, Child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch says that healthy development in boys includes teaching them that they can feel seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. For instance, when your son is sad about not making the soccer team, he may also feel relieved that he will have more free time. Or when he’s angry at his dad, he still will feel love towards his dad at the same time.

This “blending” of emotions doesn’t come naturally, but is an essential skill that you can teach with some simple intentionality.

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

What are you most afraid of?

According to a 2014 Washington Post article, fear of public speaking was America's biggest phobia, with 25.3 percent of the people saying they were afraid of speaking in front of a crowd.

A 2022 study listed “corrupt government officials” as Americans’ biggest fear.

With the world seemingly spinning out of control, we can easily allow fear and anxiety to paralyze us.

While some fears are justified, we cannot let them to rob us of the peace God provides.

Remember the charge that Moses gave to Joshua: “You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

No matter what you are facing, don’t focus on your fear. Instead, focus on God’s promises, provision, and power. He is faithful!

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

Does your son struggle in math class? Did he miss the big play on the sports field that would have won the game?

Failures and fiascos will trip up your son. You wish he’d only see success, but that’s unrealistic. Even when we try our very best, disappointment and discouragement can still strike. And when it does, your son may experience frustration and exasperation. These are normal human emotions, but we don’t have to give in to them.

Instead, remind your son that failures don’t define who he is. If he has accepted Christ as his savior, he is a child of the King. Because of that, your son is of incredible worth to God. And that’s way more important than any school grade or sports event.

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