Practice Makes Parent

Focus on the Family

Dive into the heart of Christian parenting with "Practice Makes Parent," your go-to podcast for actionable insights, faith-based inspiration, and real-life strategies for every stage of parenthood. From the joyous toddler years to the challenging school-age phase, the perplexities of puberty, and the exhilarating journey of guiding your confident teen, this podcast is your trusty companion. Join hosts Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James as they bring you weekly episodes packed with the wisdom of parenting experts. Uncover Biblical truths, effective parenting techniques, and a treasure trove of resources designed to empower moms and dads in today's ever-evolving culture in this fun Christian parenting podcast.

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Helping Moms Understand God's Truth with Erica Ligenza Gwynn
Have you ever asked yourself if what you believe is REALLY true? Or is it something that culture has influenced in your day-to-day life? Danny and Rebecca welcome Erica Ligenza Gwynn to discuss her book, That’s Just Not True. Erica shares how motherhood exposed half-truths like “I can do anything,” and discusses trusting God through problems rather than doing everything to prevent them. They explore lies such as “I’m stuck,” “I messed it all up”, and “I’ll be happy when...”. We're emphasizing joy, gratitude, and contentment. In the Q&A, we advise a listener worried about generational patterns of children outside marriage. This program encourages prayer, community, and honest future conversations. Get Your Copy of "That's Just Not True" for a donation of any amount. Have you seen our Parenting Assessment Tool? Get a "GratiKube" for your family! Help your child Launch Into the Teen Years. Leave a Comment or Ask Your Question HERE Enjoying Contemporary Christian music as a family can bring everyone closer. It's a great way to get Focus on the Family content and expose your kids to great worship music! Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. Speak with one of our counselors
Wednesday · 42 min
Q & A Session
It's another Q & A Show where Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James answer your parenting questions. This time, we advise a single mom in Compton, address a worried mom about her 17-year-old pursuing entertainment, and we respond to a child who dislikes spanking, We also help a mom whose 12-year-old is cutting, and counsel a dad of a sensitive 5-year-old to affirm his temperment and sexuality. Have you sent your questions in? Just click on the show notes and you can be a part of our next Q & A Show. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Check Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool! Here's Some Support For Single Parents Here Are Tips About Spanking Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Here's a Helpful Article Regarding Self-Harm Speak To A Counselor
July 22 · 36 min
Teaching Children Values
Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss concerns about declining patriotism among younger Americans with Dr. Ben Carson, who shares his childhood story of poverty, his mother’s emphasis on reading and personal responsibility, and how it shaped his trajectory. There are lots of resources mentioned for parents to help their children learn about history in this one. We know you'll enjoy it! The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family Bring Your Bible To School Day Sign Up! God Bless Our Country Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!
July 15 · 38 min
Fun Ways to Teach Theology
What are ways to teach your children about the Glory of God? Ryan Frederick, co-founder of FierceMarriage.com and author of the Adam and Iota series, explains vocabulary and theology to help children build discernment and strengthen their identity in Christ. We also answer a listener question from an overwhelmed mom with three young kids. Meet Atom & Iota Check Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool! Simple Ways To Start Family Devotions Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!
July 8 · 40 min
Understanding Adaptability in Parenting
In this episode of 'Practice Makes Parent,' Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of adaptability in effective parenting. They share personal anecdotes and strategies for being flexible with children. They also introduce concepts like psychological flexibility, maintaining a bigger picture mindset, continuous learning, and creating a de-stress menu. We also help a listener with her question on when to start disciplining a child. They conclude with the '7, 7, 7 Parenting Technique' for fostering stronger family bonds through focused attention. Pass this link on to your friends and family! 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Take the FREE Parenting Assessment Sign up for the FREE Age & Stage Resources Questions To Support Adaptability In Parenting Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
July 1 · 35 min
Dealing with Anger In Parenting
Anger is common and contagious in families. How do you handle anger in parenting? Janel Breitenstein, author of "How to Stop Yelling Up the Stairs" shares her story with Danny and Rebecca. They explore how anger can reveal stress, deeper emotions, and heart issues. We'll give you some ideas to work on. We also answer a listener question on whether outsiders should confront disrespectful teens. Send us your thoughts, too! How To Stop Yelling Up The Stairs Built For Resilience Check Out Our Age & Stage Resources Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
June 24 · 53 min
Launching Into the Teen Years
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss Launch Into the Teen Years curriculum, and Rebecca’s daughter Gemma shares how she felt as a young girl going through it. You'll hear flexible ways families use the six-session resource, and we share how to have relational, age-appropriate conversation about bodies, boundaries, identity in Christ, peer pressure, and God’s design for sex within marriage with kids. We also take a listener question about what to do when your kids walk in on you and your spouse having sex. Launch Into The Teen Years Who Gets A Vote? Conversation Starter Check Out Brio Magazine For Your Teen! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
June 17 · 48 min
Legacy of Courage
This is a special bonus feature to let you know about our Legacy of Courage podcast series celebrating the role of fatherhood. Special guests include retired New England Patriot football player Benjamin Watson, Pastor Carey Casey, Jay & Laura Laffoon, Joni Ereckson Tada, Dr. Meg Meeker, and many others. Check out the Legacy of Courage Podcast series! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
June 11 · 9 min
Legacy Parenting for Dads
In celebration of Father's Day, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss legacy parenting, focusing on the evolving role of dads in modern culture with Pastor Jeffrey Hamilton, founder of Dad Academy. Dad, are you present? Prayerful? Purposeful? This conversation advocates for intentional and hands-on approaches to parenting. Then, we address a listener's concern about her husband needing decompression time after work, suggesting strategies for balancing work and family life. The episode is filled with practical advice for fathers and mothers alike, aimed at improving parenting skills and fostering deeper family connections. Dad Academy Take The Free Parenting Assessment Tool Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
June 10 · 43 min
Teaching Your Kids To Read The Bible
Do you want to help your kids internalize the Word of God? Today, we talk about the tools and techniques that can help your children with Mary Wiley, author of Discovering The Bible. She explains building a home culture of curiosity where questions are welcomed, parents can say “I don’t know,” and the Bible is seen as one redemptive story about Jesus. You'll learn four fun study steps and hear advice for handling difficult passages in an age-appropriate way. We also answer a listener's question on preparing kids for secular school by role-playing responses, emphasizing kindness, confidence, and compassion. Discovering The Bible Family Reading Of Scripture Match Your Parenting To What Your Kids Need Look Into Our Parenting Resources Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Listen to Adventures In Odyssey Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
June 3 · 48 min
Principles Over Prescriptions in Parenting
This is a longer episode, but it's WORTH IT! Danny and Rebecca welcome Melissa Krueger, author of “Parenting with Hope” about four parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and negligent. Is your parenting full of warmth, boundaries, curiosity, and validating teens’ experiences? We're challenging you to take a look at you family habits that may have shaped your parenting. We also have a listener Q&A that addresses disciplining a disrespectful 7-year-old by teaching better language, requiring repair and apology, and probing underlying needs and insecurities. This is a great show! Parenting With Hope Parenting Quiz Check In Family Personality Quiz Set Some Rhythms In Your Home Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
May 26 · 49 min
Uncomfortable Conversations With Your Kids
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James welcome authors Tim Shoemaker and his son Mark Shoemaker to discuss practical strategies for uncomfortable conversations with kids, especially preteens and teens, covering respect, emotions, dating, and household rules. Key do’s and don'ts are shared, and they even talk about how teen pushback can be healthy engagement that builds conscience! We'll also answer a listener question about a 6-year-old who obeys only with threats. This is a great episode for parents with children of any age. Make sure you share it with your friends. What to Say and How to Say It To Your Teen Check Out The Seven Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment The Very Best Hands-on Kind of Dangerous Family Devotion Vol.3 Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
May 20 · 52 min
Q & A Session
Danny and Rebecca welcome your questions on this episode of Practice Makes Parent. We'll talk about everything fro naming a child’s guardian; deaking with a 12-year-old refusing an annual trip; a rebellious 16-year-old seeking an ungodly tattoo by prioritizing connection; and a 4-year-old hitting; plus several other parents' questions. They also share a family game (reverse charades). We look forward to getting your questions for our next Q & A episode. Click the show notes and send us your questions! 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast Check Out Clubhouse Magazine! Who Gets A Vote Conversation Starter Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
May 13 · 43 min
Your Best Mom Life
In recognition of Mother's Day, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss cultural pressures that leave many moms overwhelmed, burned out, and lonely, including perfectionism and social media comparison. They talk with Jamie Erickson, the author of Overwhelmed Mom, about finding hope and purpose in motherhood. Jamie emphasizes “one another” support in the church, embracing hidden, mundane tasks as God-seen work, and setting boundaries through a personal vision statement to filter commitments. Practical tips include creating a “10-minute power task list,” reducing screen time by “analoging” life, and prayerfully realigning priorities. In a Q&A, they advise a first-time mom that saying “no” appropriately —helps children learn resilience and boundaries. Overwhelmed Mom: Quiet the Chaos, Mind What Matters, Enjoy Your Life Again Is Mother's Day Unhappy For You? This Article May Help. Want to get involved in our social media challege for Mother's Day? Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Want to get involved in our 7-day social media challenge for Mother's Day? Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
May 6 · 43 min
Legacy of Love Mother's Day Sneak Peak
This special edition encourages moms on their journey of motherhood, and it's hosted by Whitney Lowe and Erin Smalley. We're covering why becoming a mom is a gift, finding your identity in Christ, hope for tired moms, and ways to celebrate Mother's Day! Praying The Scriptures For Your Children: Discover How To Pray God's Purpose For Their Lives Take the Mom Appreciation Social Media Challenge Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 30 · 15 min
Who You Are Becoming As A Parent
Think about the importance of spiritual and emotional transformation rather than perfection in parenting. What would it look like and where do you start? Danny and Rebecca speak with Kerry Hasenbalg about submitting to God's plan and dealing with prolonged struggles and emotional pain in parenting (and in life). At the end of this show, you'll understand how to surrender broken pieces to God, and the impact of spiritual practices such as asking, remembering, and trusting. We also take a question from a listener on how to handle situations when one spouse is not spiritually leading. The Way of Becoming Check Out The Built For Resilience Webinar Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 29 · 49 min
The Daddy Daughter Connection
The conversation highlights how a father's treatment of his daughter can shape her understanding of love, worth, and identity. Danny and Rebecca speak with Pastor Freddie Prado and they address societal pressures on young girls related to appearance and popularity, which can lead to anxiety and low self-confidence. This is practical advice on connecting with daughters through intentionality, play, and spiritual guidance. Mom - send the link to this program to every man in your daughter's life! Daughters of The King Subscribe to Brio Magazine for Teen Girls Check out Clubhouse Magazine Launch Into The Teen Years Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 22 · 44 min
Spiritual Habits for Your Family
Do you want your family to do more "spiritual" things? This is the show for you! Danny and Rebecca welcome Pastor Chris Papao and Clayton Green, authors of 'Building Spiritual Habits in the Home.' They share easy-to-implement steps parents can take to cultivate a spiritual environment in their homes. These are simple, tangible, timely, playful, and community-oriented habits that you're family will love. We also answer a listener's question on dealing with a teenager's rebellion against the faith, offering advice on curiosity, consistent engagement, and the importance of prayer. Building Spiritual Habits Here are the CAR-techisms Check Out the Built for Resilience Webinar! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 15 · 52 min
Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent
We always say, "parenting is more about transformation than perfection." The discussion explores feelings of failure, shame, fear, and regret that many parents experience. Lauren Whitman, author and counselor, shares insights, and talks about the importance of naming deeper emotions, repairing relationships through apology, and maintaining a gospel-shaped identity to combat negative self-talk. We also take a listener question about parental overwhelm and reactive behavior, offering compassionate guidance to a struggling mother. When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress Take The Free Parenting Assessment Tool Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 8 · 45 min
Parenting Your Child's Heart
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the challenges and philosophies of faith-based parenting. Dr. Juan and Janine Sanchez share insights and emphasize the importance of shepherding a child's heart, setting positive biblical instructions, and maintaining a home of repentance. The Sanchez's advise on dealing with discipline, boundary setting, and building strong relationships with children of all ages. They also highlight the necessity of prayer, Godly examples, and church community support. We also answer a question about boundary setting with children in a loving but authoritative way. Reaching Your Child's Heart Sign Up For Our Built For Resilience Webinar Take The Free Parenting Assessment Tool Support the show! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
April 1 · 44 min

Practice Makes Parent

Helping Moms Understand God's Truth with Erica Ligenza Gwynn

Q & A Session

Teaching Children Values

Fun Ways to Teach Theology

Understanding Adaptability in Parenting

Dealing with Anger In Parenting

Launching Into the Teen Years

Legacy of Courage

Legacy Parenting for Dads

Teaching Your Kids To Read The Bible

Principles Over Prescriptions in Parenting

Uncomfortable Conversations With Your Kids

Q & A Session

Your Best Mom Life

Legacy of Love Mother's Day Sneak Peak

Who You Are Becoming As A Parent

The Daddy Daughter Connection

Spiritual Habits for Your Family

Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent

Parenting Your Child's Heart