In this conversation on the Homeschool Dad Series, Mark Hancock tackles the rising tide of challenges facing boys in modern society, offering a powerful call to action for parents and leaders. He breaks down the alarming statistics—including boys' growing academic performance gap and their disproportionate representation in special education—and identifies the crisis of absent father figures and the damaging cultural narrative of "toxic masculinity." Mark emphasizes that boys are desperately seeking a legitimate path to manhood and positive male leadership. This episode is an essential listen for anyone committed to equipping the next generation of men with the courage, character, and mentorship they need to thrive and reverse this dangerous cultural trend.



Men's Challenge:



Commit to a simple, intentional activity with your son that models biblical manhood and builds lasting memories. Plan an adventure. This doesn't have to be a big trip. It could be as simple as an afternoon hike, a fishing trip, building a fire in the backyard, or even learning a practical skill together, like changing a tire or using a power tool. The goal is to get away from the distractions of everyday life and into a different environment.



Key Takeaways:




The Crisis of Masculinity: Boys today are struggling in an environment that often labels their natural draw toward risk, competition, and activity as "toxic" or disruptive, leading to disengagement and confusion about their identity.



Academic and Developmental Lag: Statistics show boys are falling behind girls in nearly every academic category, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities, and are less likely to enroll in or complete college.



The Father Figure Gap: A significant number of boys lack an active father figure in the household, creating a severe need for positive male mentorship to provide essential guidance, values, and character formation.



A Call for Intentional Mentorship: Dads and "dad-like figures" are crucial. Boys require Christ-centered, male-centric leadership and mentorship—delivered through real-world examples and adventure—to help them find their identity and embrace the virtues of godly manhood.








Resources Mentioned:




Learn more about Trail Life USA or find a troop in your area



You can find more of Mark Hancock's insights into what it takes to raise boys to become godly men in this video: Raising Boys to Become Godly Men | Mark Hancock, CEO Trail Life.



Hear Mark Hancock at Teach Them Diligently 2026








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