Biblical Resources for Raising Boys

Back in October I went to the 2:1 Conference and heard Melanie Young speak. After I heard her speak, I knew that she was the reason God had me attend that conference. In her session and in private conversations, she gave me much encouragement as a mom and as a blogger.

Our kids are 13, 12 and 10. We are right in the thick of hormones, lots of emotions flying around, and it’s not always the girls. {grin} I have found boys and girls to be equally challenging (and rewarding) in different ways. There are seasons that are harder than others whether you have boys or girls or both. We happen to be in a tough season. This too shall pass. 

But, I’ve been eating up resources and filling up on those who have walked ahead of me and have found myself SO encouraged. I wanted to share some of these resources with you, because if you’re like me, you may not be aware of everything that is out there! (And I’m sure I’m missing some also, please leave me a comment if you have a resource that has helped you!)

Raising Real Men Resources

Raising Real Men is the name of Hal and Melanie Young’s website and ministry. I hope you will click over and take a look around at all they have to offer! I can’t possibly list it all in this post. They also travel around the country speaking at conferences! If you’re headed to Teach Them Diligently in 2016, be sure to attend one of their classes! (TTD will be in Sandusky, OH, Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN this year!)

The book that Hal and Melanie have written is called Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys, just like the name of their ministry. I have not read this book yet, but if it’s anything like the practical wisdom shared with me in just one conversation with Melanie, I know I need to pick this book up soon!

Podcasts and Audio

One of my favorite resources I have found that Hal and Melanie put out is the FREE podcast. I have listened to several episodes already and I love it!! The Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network produces their podcast and I encourage you to take a listen! I’ve been listening on my walks/jogs lately and I always come away encouraged and understood.

I also picked up a few of their audio talks while at the 2:1 conference and I’m super excited to listen to those as well. Look at all the talks they have available on this page.

Biblical Resources for Raising Boys

• 30 Verses to Pray for Our Sons
• 10 Bible Verses for the Man You are Raising
• Pinterest Board full ALL THINGS BOY – teaching him, encouraging him, making school fun, etc.
• The MOB society (moms of boys) Equipping and Encouraging Parents to Raise Godly Men
• Teaching Our Sons to Love the Lord
• When Your Child Isn’t What You Wanted Them To Be
• Mothering Boys
• 10 Things I’ve Learned about Homeschooling Boys
• Helping Our Kids Fail

Age of Opportunity

I have one last book recommendation for you. I’ve been reading this book and have been waiting to write a full post on it, it’s THAT good, but I’m going to mention it in this post as well.

Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens, Second Edition (Resources for Changing Lives)

This book has been so very convicting. In a good way. I am finding this season we are in to be one of the most difficult yet. Having a newborn may be exhausting physically, but having 3 tweens and teens is exhausting mentally, emotionally, spiritually AND physically. LOL!! I’m selfish, I want time to myself, I want quiet…these are things that don’t happen a lot currently. It’s the season we are in. We are on the go. Pre-Algebra is keeping us on our toes and in tears. I try my best to cherish these moments, well some of them, but it’s hard!

This book has encouraged me to realize that THIS IS NORMAL. This season is HARD. Kids are changing and it’s hard for THEM, TOO.

Be encouraged, moms and dads, parenting may be the toughest thing we ever do. But it’s also making us more and more like Jesus. We are blessed to have the role of MOM or DAD and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!! Take heart, utilize some of these amazing resources and hang in there!