Raising Boys: Five Tips on How to Raise a Godly Son

You have a son? I have a son too!

My first born is a girl and I quickly have learned that my daughter and son are complete opposites. For example, my daughter likes clean things, is more quiet, shy at times, and is modest. My son, on the other hand, loves a good dirt pile, keeps cool rocks he finds in his pockets, out going, dramatic and you don’t know how many times I’ve told him to not pee in the front yard where everyone can see him. hahaha

Since they are opposite in most every way, I often times need to use a different approach to guide, discipline and communicate with my son. 

When our sons grow up to be men: God has called them to be godly men, leaders of their home, loving husbands, pure in thought and deed.

As moms, how can we help our sons to grow in Christ? How can we raise them to be Godly sons?

First off, let me say that I whole heartily believe that God perfectly joined you and your son together in your mother/son relationship. As you lean on God for guidance, pray with clenched fists and read God’s Holy Bible, He perfectly equips you to raise your son. Never let the enemy have you believe differently. You are enough through God’s grace and mercy. You are the perfect mom for your son. I’m not saying things will be perfect with no problems. I’m saying you are enough and God will guide you. 

In raising our sons, we must dig into God’s word for direction to teach our sons who they are in Christ, what is expected of them as they grow into men and the skills they will need to guard their own hearts as they live life according to God’s will. 

Here are a few verses I use to pray over my son and read to him to teach my son to whom his heart and soul truly belongs and where to find his true Christ given identity. 

5 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Son

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,” Proverbs 23:26

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

5 Tips on How to Raise a Godly Son

Tip #1 to raise a Godly Son

Pray Pray Pray and Pray some more. Is praying a dying skill? We have churches upon churches in and around my area but I only know of a few regular prayer meetings. Let’s get back to praying! The enemy wants your marriage, your testimony, your family, your peace and definitely your son. You put on the full Armor of God and you pray the Armor of God over your son on a daily basis. (Ephesians 6:10-18) You pour your heart out to God in your daily prayer and devotion time. Teach your son to pray. Let him listen to you pray. Mom, your son doesn’t need to see you perfect; he only needs to see you surrendered to God. 

Try these 5-day prayer challenges for your children:
5 Days of Prayer for Your Son
5 Days of Prayer for Your Daughter
Or 5 Days of Prayer for Your Teen

Tip #2 to raise a Godly Son

Make time to spend with your son. You always hear it is best to start the kids off young and that may be true, but let me tell you it is never too late to start. Hear me….IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. Talk, play, be creative with him, be interested in what he likes to do, laugh together, read God’s word to him and pray with him. It is vital to have that one-on-one time with your son and it doesn’t matter how old he is. 

Tip #3 to raise a Godly Son

Tip #4 to raise a Godly Son

Supervise the T.V., gaming, and social media time your son has. Encourage him to get up, get out, create, and explore to help him find and grow his talents.  Hours upon hours of time wasted on the T.V, gaming and social media hinder his growth into the great potential that awaits for him. Who is teaching your son? You or the T.V. screen? Recent studies show that kids spend, on average, about 1600 hours per year watching T.V. Kids values are being formed from what they see and watch on the screen. With less interaction with real humans, they are not learning how to manage their emotions. They may also have a skewed understanding of love and relationships. Excessive screen time may also reduce their attention span. I’m not saying all screen time is bad. Just like most everything else, monitor your son’s screen time. Do what you know God is leading you to do. 

Tip #5 to raise a Godly Son

Mom, most importantly, just be there for you son. Love him where he is. Love him for who he is. Love him for who God is turning him into. Trust God! Show your son all the love, grace, mercy and guidance that God extends to you. Stand in the authority that Jesus Christ has given you over your child. You are loved, mom. You can do this! 

Starla Jimenez is a homeschool mom of two munchkins and has been married for 15 years to the love of her life. Her goal is to encourage women in their walk with God. On her blog, starlajimenez.com, she shares about her life adventures, bible devotions and family fun. She volunteers as the Girls Ministry Coordinator and helps with the Women’s Ministry at her local church. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.