Raising Boys has undergone some major challenges lately, and many parents are at a loss.
In our postmodern culture, we have become addicted to ease and entertainment. This has really stripped boys of a lot of the manly character-building they used to go through on their way to becoming men. It has fostered generations of educated, yet often unproductive and weak-willed men.
Resources for Raising Boys Headed to Manhood
Bob Schultz’s books should be at the top of the list for raising boys. Our sons both respected Mr. Schultz and gained significant insights from his books. They recommend them, and I want to as well.
These three books aren’t like many of the best-selling books in the “manhood” genre. The author’s insights are much more down-to-earth, moral and useful. This is Real Stuff for regular guys who are just trying to do their best every day. Not only for young men, but for grown men who maybe did not have a ‘mentor’ to explain the practical side of growing up and making wise choices along the way.
Boyhood and Beyond. This is a classic ‘life book’ for raising boys, and it’s timeless! While using stories about such things as dirty diapers, turkey hunting, camping across the country, Robby’s rocket, and the invention of hook and loop tape, Mr. Schultz gives practical wisdom for becoming a man. It covers topics such as authority, forgiveness, and honesty as well as learning to overcome things like fear, laziness, and temptation. It motivates boys to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral principles.
In Created For Work, Mr. Schultz uses homespun, highly engaging stories from real life to teach young men (and boys) what it means to be good workers, and most of all, makes it something they desire for themselves. All young men should be on the road to developing a healthy attitude toward work. God is looking for young men who are not afraid to work hard, to get their hands dirty, who can follow instructions, deal honestly, think critically, respect authority, and cheerfully get a project done well in a reasonable time. That is the backbone of strong families.
Practical Happiness offers tremendous counsel to young men who, behind their brave and independent exteriors, are searching for answers. Short, captivating stories are crafted in such a way as to lead young men toward a life of contentment that can only be found by seeking the heart of God. It will not be found in what they have, what they do for excitement, or where they go, but in their attitude and response to life, especially when it is not going their way.
I go so far as to recommend them to inexperienced mothers and fathers who are questioning what raising boys entails.
On June 13th, 2008, Bob Schultz died unexpectedly of heart failure. Our family was terribly sad, for we felt we knew this wonderful man. In his final book, Bob Schultz delves into God’s purpose for battles and conflicts in our lives.
Everyday Battles offers perspective on how to find God in the heart of daily decisions. Again, written for young men, this book will help anyone who desires to experience a vibrant, moment-by-moment walk with God.
These books can be read aloud or read in a group. There are discussion questions at the end of every chapter.
Recommended ages?
Boyhood and Beyond – 10 and up.
Created for Work – 12 and up.
Practical Happiness (read on their own) – 12 thru 15. Read aloud to younger boys – 9 thru 11.
Are you ready and willing to do the hard work of raising young contenders for the faith, men of valor and virtue, men who have vision and embrace manhood? We have a loving Lord who will help us to do just that when we ask for wisdom to accomplish it!
In case you missed Part 1, be sure to check out the books over there!
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