Raising Godly Boys Minute

Who are your son’s heroes?
Many boys admire the superheroes they see in movies, or the athletes that make crowds jump to their feet in awe and wonder.
It’s one thing for boys to wish they could fly through the air or dunk a basketball
. But point out real-life superheroes that make our lives a better place.
People like police officers, firefighters, and military servicemen should be admired because of their selfless service in maintaining law and order and ensuring our safety.
When you see these men and women around, teach your son to show them respect. Encourage your son to shake hands with them and say thanks for all that they do. By demonstrating your own gratitude, you help your son understand that not all superheroes wear capes.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the first time your son jumped off the diving board at the local pool?
Before taking the plunge, he probably stood at the edge of the board—his knees wobbly and his face full of fear. Maybe he didn’t want to “jump,” but your cheers and hollers finally prompted him to take that timid step off the board and into the water.
After jumping off the diving board a dozen more times, your son soon learned that the board isn’t as high as it first looked.
Help your son see that the same is true in life. Many of life’s activities appear scary and intimidating. But courage is the ability to see beyond the fear. It’s taking the plunge to achieve a goal that previously looked impossible.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A reporter asked Thomas Edison, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
One of the greatest inventions of the 19th century was the lightbulb. But creating the lightbulb required lots of trial and error.
Failure is a part of life. In fact, it’s normal and natural. And even though no one likes to fail, it teaches us to do better and to strive harder as we reach for our goals.
Boys need a challenge. Even though trying something new may result in failure, that failure is helping them develop important character traits that are essential for future success.
Are you helping your boys learn from failure? Visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com for practical tips on how to help your boys grow into godly young men.

What should you do if your son wants to quit?
Sam asked his dad if he could quit playing the cello. Sam’s dad was surprised since Sam had always loved playing, but was discouraged because none of his friends shared that passion. Instead of allowing him to quit, Sam’s dad encouraged him to keep playing, and he helped his son find some local music groups to play in.
Years later, as Sam accepted a music scholarship to a university, he turned to his dad. “Thank you for not letting me give up.”
Extracurriculars are something you’ll have to prayerfully consider as a parent. But if your son wants to quit something you know he usually enjoys, try helping him find a new side to his existing hobby. You’ll never regret encouraging him to persevere.
For ideas for raising your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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.