There is not much more “boy” than playing knights and castles. I remember when Ben was younger, all he wanted for Christmas one year was a “real sword.” He’s since purchased a few real swords and both proudly displays them in his room, and regales us with his sword-fighting skills.
It’s perfectly natural for boys to grow up with an intense desire (need, even) to protect his castle (or bedroom), and everyone who lives in or near it. God created boys that way — as protectors, ready to stand and defend. Knights serve us well as homeschool moms — not just a great historical reference for the study of the middle ages either. Knights show us Jesus. They give us an example of godly wisdom and behavior that we should all be teaching our sons.
Using the history of knighthood and the characteristics of knights in parenting our boys is an effective tool. There have been a few books written on this topic, but soon there will be another that I’m stepping out to say is one of the best I’ve seen. Knights in Training is a parenting tool every mom of boys will want in their arsenal. Scroll down to the bottom of this article for a great offer if you pre-order it today.
Here are ten characteristics of knights our sons should emulate throughout their lives:
LOYALTY: Staying faithful
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.(Hosea 6:6)
SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Bewilling to serve others
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant (Matthew 20:26)
KINDNESS: Be generous and considerate to others
What is desired in a man is kindness . . .(Proverbs 19:22)
HUMILITY: Put others ahead of yourself
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
PURITY: Have a clean heart
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
HONESTY: Always be truthful
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25)
SELF-DISCIPLINE: Practice self-control and work to overcome weaknesses
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
EXCELLENCE: Always do your best
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24)
INTEGRITY: Have strong moral principles
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)
PERSEVERANCE: Stick to it to the finish
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
***
Are you raising boys? Do you want to prepare them to grow up into the men they want to become and the men our culture so desperately needs?
- Embark on a challenge that will change the way you view these parenting years.
- Issue the chivalry challenge to your boys and alter the way they view their childhood.
- Embrace a life of purpose and adventure like no other.
Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys is already the #1 new release for parenting boys and it isn’t even out yet! This exciting new book invites you and your boys into a grand adventure – one that they can embark on now and one that prepares to fulfill their purpose in the years and decades to come by preparing our boys to grow up to become the men they want to become by exploring what knight training looked like in the middle ages and laying out a practical plan for you to personalize this training with your own boys today.
