Raising Boys

How can we raise boys to men when society has lost its way? As a mom of three boys, I understand how important raising boys is to the future of our society. 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 of raising boys to become godly, responsible men of integrity, honesty, and determination. Mark and I share invaluable insights and practical wisdom gleaned from years of experience in mentoring and guiding young men toward a fulfilling life. One 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

Establish Clear Values and Boundaries: We help boys navigate challenges in today’s culture by establishing clear values and boundaries early on. Talk with them about your family’s values, such as respect, kindness, and empathy, and explain why these values are important. Encourage critical thinking and help them analyze media messages, social trends, and peer influences in light of these values. Parents empower boys to make informed decisions and resist negative influences by providing a strong moral compass and clear guidelines.

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.

We help boys build determination and resilience by setting achievable goals and encouraging them to persistently work towards them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate their progress along the way. Encourage them to develop a growth mindset, viewing 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 in the face of 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.