#316: Give Him A Mountain

If you don’t give your son a challenge, he will challenge you. Julie was frustrated that her teenage son, Tyler, wouldn’t help with any chores around the house. But when Tyler’s dad asked him to repair the fence in the backyard, Tyler jumped at the opportunity. Why? Boys are uniquely wired to crave adventure. So much so that they often lose motivation when things are too easy or simple. This is why many extremely intelligent children often struggle in school– simply because of boredom. If your son is being defiant with you, consider giving him an even greater, more complicated responsibility. Bonus points if it involves an outdoor activity!  It may seem counterintuitive, but without a mountain in his life,your son will try to conquer you. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.