Raising Boys (Re-Air)

Do you wonder how to raise boys to become strong, godly men? Men who will one day lead their family, a company, a community, or maybe even a country? Raising boys to be risk-takers, adventurers, innovators, and creative is hard when we live in a culture that does more to confuse boys than help them.

This topic was so popular that I decided to re-air Raising Boys with Mark Hancock of Trail Life USA.

How can we raise boys to be men when society has lost its way? As a mom of three boys, I understand how important raising boys is to our society’s future. That’s why I invited Mark Hancock, CEO of Trial Life USA, to join me to share what parents, grandparents, coaches, and ministry leaders can do.

Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media, and the internet to find realms they can conquer and areas where they can excel. The result of this virtual conquest is often apathy, apparent rebellion, or outright resistance to real-world challenges. But you can shape and guide your boys in their journey of becoming a man.

In this honest look at raising boys, we lay out essential principles for raising boys to become godly, responsible men of integrity, honesty, and determination. We share invaluable insights and practical wisdom gleaned from years of experience mentoring and guiding young men toward a fulfilling life filled with meaning and purpose.

Raising Boys of Integrity and Honesty

Lead by Example: Boys learn a great deal from observing the behavior of adults, particularly their parents and other influential figures. Model honesty and integrity in your own actions and interactions. Be transparent about your own mistakes and demonstrate how to take responsibility and make amends when necessary. By consistently embodying these values, you provide a powerful example for boys to emulate.

Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment of open communication where boys feel safe to express themselves honestly and without fear of judgment. Encourage them to openly share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and actively listen to what they have to say. Engage in discussions about moral dilemmas, ethical decision-making, and the importance of honesty in relationships. Promoting open dialogue creates opportunities for boys to develop a deeper understanding of integrity and honesty and how these values apply to various aspects of their lives.

Navigating Challenges in Today’s Culture

Boys need to develop determination and resilience by setting achievable goals and persistently working towards them. To support this, we guide them in breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and we celebrate their progress along the way. By encouraging a growth mindset, we help them view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to success. Instilling a sense of purpose and direction enables boys to stay focused and resilient, even when faced with setbacks.

Promote Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills: Equip boys with resilience and problem-solving skills to effectively navigate challenges in today’s culture. Encourage them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Teach them coping strategies for managing stress, adversity, and peer pressure, such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and seeking support from trusted adults. By fostering resilience and problem-solving skills, parents empower boys to face challenges with confidence, adaptability, and perseverance.

Raising Boys to Godly Men

Boys need a father or fatherlike figure in their lives to look up to and show them what it means to be a man. Study after study backs that up. Boys learn how to be persistent by providing supportive feedback and encouragement.

Boys need to develop determination and resilience by setting achievable goals and persistently working towards them. We guide them in breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate their progress along the way. Encouraging a growth mindset helps them view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to success. By instilling a sense of purpose and direction, boys learn to stay focused and resilient, even when faced with setbacks

We need to offer boys supportive feedback and encouragement to foster determination and resilience. Recognize their efforts and progress, emphasizing their strengths and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Encourage them to reflect on their experiences, identify lessons learned, and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. By providing a nurturing and affirming environment, boys develop the confidence and resilience to persevere through difficulties and pursue their goals with determination.