Raising boys
Esquire,
I have three boys as well and it would appear they are pretty close to the same age as yours. Mine are 14, 12, and 5.
One of the best things your guys have going for them is a Dad who cares and is there for them. I have been working with youth for many years now through the church, school and Scouting. It seems that the vast majority of kids having the most trouble are in a single parent home.
The best advise I can give you is to be patient, communicate with them, and keep them involved in activities that promote responsiblity and character development and away from those that will drag them down.
I firmly believe that one of the best way to turn fine boys into fine young men is getting them into Scouting. I will be glad to talk to you and your boys about Scouting anytime at all and come to Lexington to meet with you if you'd like. There are some good Troops in your area to get involved with.
Both of my older boys have been in since Cub Scouts and I firmly believe it makes a difference and I have seen the changes it can bring out in boys who were troubled. The youngest one will start next year as well.
When they are in Scouting they are around people who share good traditional values and morals. As an added bonus, there are few things that look better on a young fellow's resume than Eagle Scout my friend.
Scouting teaches leadership, responsibilty, self-reliance, and valuable life skills that will be with them as long as they live.
I invite you to bring your boys and come hang out with us for a day during Summer Camp at Camp McKee in Montgomery County. We wll be there from June 24th through July 2nd.
When you follow the Scout trail, you are following the trail the Lord laid out for us in many ways. :jesus: :amen:
Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
It's not just the Scout Law, it's a way of life and one I try every day, with God's help, to lead.
Get them in a good troop and you won't regret it. I promise!