AT THE WELL.... raising boys

We are gathering AT THE WELL today as we pursue to be more like the TITUS 2 WOMAN. Lori @ http://allyouhavetogive.blogspot.com/ is our topic host today and she is leading the discussion around THE WELL today about raising boys.

From my heart to yours...

The topic today is one that I can definitely relate to. RAISING SONS. I have 3 sons that are a pure blessing.

Raising sons can be a challenge in today's world. But not impossible!

My 3 sons are grown (ages 25, 23, 18) and they each have their own unique talents, creativity and goals. One thing they all have in common is that they are living for God. Now that is an answer to prayer.

If I could give advice to other Mom's raising sons it would be 3 things...

1. BE A GODLY EXAMPLE TO YOUR SON

In today's society it is no secret that a good percentage of our sons are being raised by single moms, or without a father figure in their lives. The Bible clearly says that fathers should be the spiritual leader in their home, but when a godly father is absent (or even absent in body) - this is when the Mom needs to step in and set the example. If at all possible, if a godly father is absent in the relationship, seek out a godly man in your church, or a grandfather, or an uncle who can be the role model that will show integrity, honesty, love for others and most importantly love for God to your son. Children learn by example. They learn by watching. Our sons need to learn how to be a godly man.

As a mom, instruct your son in the ways of the Lord. Live your faith in front of him. Give him a reason to trust God. Instruction is not only for spiritual things, but also instruct those boys how to be a helpmate. Teach them to iron their pants, wash their clothes, bake a pie, sew a button on their shirt. Model to them how to balance a checkbook by not overdrawing your checking account. Teach them to live on a budget by not over charging your credit cards. Teach them to serve others by serving your neighbors.

2. SET BOUNDARIES

One of the things that our sons will battle with the most as they begin to grow into men is temptation and living within boundaries. Teens today are faced with so much more than we were when we were teens. The temptation is great for them. The world is screaming at them "if it feels good... do it!"

Learning to resist temptation is a boundary we put in place. Teaching our sons to live within boundaries begins at an early age. Begin instilling boundaries and stick to your guns about them. If a child can learn the boundary principle at an early age it won't be quite as difficult as a teen to try to instill boundaries such as "no girls in the house when nobody else is home" or "no r-rated movies in our home".

If you set boundaries for your child...live within your own boundaries. If you say "no r-rated movies" then refrain from watching r-rated movies yourself. Pretty much "practice what you preach" principle applies here.

3. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY

I have seen it all with 3 sons. Every excuse has been used. One thing that I have learned is that along the way I have messed up! and along the way my sons have messed up! We are human and no one person is perfect.

Love your son unconditionally. When he makes a mistake or makes a poor choice, love him. Let him know that you will always love him no matter what.

After all isn't that what the love of God does for us?

Even though I am a sinner, my heavenly Father waits with open arms to receive me. That's the kind of mom I want to be - to be waiting with open arms to receive my sons.

PLEASE VISIT AT THE WELL FOR OTHER THOUGHTS ON RAISING SONS!