Parents, God has given us the great responsibility of raising our children in His ways, and to model to them what faith in Jesus looks like.
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Yesterday I shared the 25 things that I desire to teach my daughter. I wrote most of those items two years ago when our daughter was a Senior in high school.
Today I’m writing a list for my son. He’ll be a Senior in high school this year.
I believe it’s every Christian parent’s desire to raise up sons who seek the things of God, who apply God’s promises and principles to their lives, and who influence others in a godly way.
Sons who are kind, respectful, and who have their priorities in line with God’s will for their lives.
Sons who consider themselves important, yet who are humble, and full of gratitude and grace.
May we be lifting our sons in prayer every day!
My husband and I have this short window still open while our son remains in our home to teach him important life- and eternally-impacting skills and truths. My we be diligent in doing so!
Feel free to add to this list in the comments section below!
25 Things I Desire To Teach My Son
- How to diffuse a situation and to walk away when necessary.
- How to focus on the person you’re talking to, and look him/her in the eye.
- If a girl doesn’t respect herself, she won’t respect you.
- How to appropriately apologize.
- Do not text and drive. Never.
- When a girl is with you–even while on a date–you are responsible to respect her and keep her safe.
- Don’t be too busy to appreciate the simple things of life.
- How to cook beyond mac & cheese and frozen pizza.
- How to stand up for yourself respectfully.
- It’s okay to ask for directions or ask for help.
- You can always come home.
- Make time to pray and read your Bible daily.
- It’s okay to laugh at yourself.
- When tempted, do what Forrest Gump did. Run.
- See people, especially women, through God’s eyes and not your own.
- It’s okay to cry. Real men do.
- How to use your money wisely.
- How to effectively communicate with others.
- How to sew on a button and hem a pair of pants.
- It’s okay to not follow the crowd, in fact, it’s probably best if you don’t.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and know it’s okay to walk away from those who try to tear you down.
- Your mom will always be your biggest cheerleader.
- It’s never too late to call me to come pick you up.
- You will make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
- Don’t live for this world. Keep your focus on eternity. Put God first, and rely on Him above anyone or anything else, including yourself.
It’s never too late to teach our sons the important and eternally impacting things of life, no matter how old they are.
I have many more to add to this list. I may just have to make a part two!
Julie
This is a great list, Julie. As a mom of two boys, I can say that all of these things are certainly on my list too. And although I haven’t started worrying about girls yet (though my two-year-old is quite the flirt), there are some great tips here for when that topic becomes prevalent! 😉
Abby, I understand completely. Those days of girls came in my son’s life quicker than I was ready. But praying over and for our children, I have found, is imperative. Plus it calms this heart of mine when I get to worrying. Thank you for your encouraging words today Abby. I really needed them. 🙂 God bless you today!
This is such a great idea, Julie. My son leaves in one month…I need to get busy! Blessings to you! Have a great 4th!
Hi Sabra! I imagine you could write your own list of the most important things to teach your sons before they leave the nest, as you’ve walked through this experience and will again in a month. I have a year…I need to get busy too! Hope you had a wonderful 4th too!