Introduction:

The original design for a family in accordance with God’s plan was husband, wife, and children.  Each plays a role in the family dynamic.  The husband mimics God in being the protector, provider, and covering.  The wife is the nurturer.  The children are to receive, respond, and grow into there prospective places in society.

Because of the way of man, we have altered the divine plan and over 50% of marriages end in divorce creating single parent homes.  Teen pregnancy and sexual activity amongst teens is occurring also creating single parent homes.   The answer is to get God back in the picture.  We must raise the young men in these single parent homes to be God-fearing men who understand the way of the Bible and God’s divine original plan.

Purpose:

          This training is not to male bash or meant to say that male role models are not important.  They are essential to helping to raise our boys to be men.  However, as mothers there are things which God taught me in raising my son which were essential in order to help him to be a responsible God-fearing young man.  I wanted him to be someone who respects women and will some day make some young lady a great husband!

When to nurture: 

          Women are natural nurturers.  We are givers and as such we can tend to get in the way of the independence of our male children.  When boys are babies to age 5 years old they are in need of the essentials for living from their mothers.  We teach them how to survive, to love, and to be loved.  We teach them how to share and especially how to give and care about others.  This is vital.  We must always keep in mind they have to know how to share with others because some day they will have a family that they must care for.

Independence Day:

          Elementary age is the time to start training organization and responsibility.  They must know how to prioritize and put order to the things that are vital for life.  Keeping up with and turning in school work has to be emphasized by the single parent for young men.  Letting him know that getting his work together will someday make him a great husband and father is an encouragement.  Of course my son always looked at me like I was crazy when he was 8, 9, and 10 years old, but he is an excellent organizer now.

Critical Thinker:

          In the teenage years, it is time to let them express themselves.  I helped my son learn how to argue effectively and most importantly respectfully.  Young men must of course be guided in their thinking, but hear what they have to say in order to know where they are at in their maturity level.  Ask them what they think the man should do in situations in the household. (NOTE:  Do not be surprised at what they may say.)  Allow them to make some life changing decisions for themselves.  What career choice they would like?  What college they would like?  Ask how they feel about their church and are they learning anything to equip them to be a good husband and father.

Strategically Pick Strong Male Role Models:

          Involve your sons in all that the Church has to offer for young men.  Pick a church where there is a lot of strong male leadership.  Interact with as many male family members as possible and allow your sons to develop healthy relationships with male family members.

­Conclusion: 

          As mothers, we must learn when to stop the nurturing and start the man training.  Create opportunities to help your sons develop responsible ways and organize themselves.  Exercise the critical thinker in them to develop confidence in his decision making as a man.  Lastly, establish opportunities for prominent male role models for your son.