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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34 episodes
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English

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#158
Yesterday · 35 min
Teaching Kids to Talk To God
How have you taught your kids to pray? We have a new approach for you today. Danny and Rebecca talk with Dr. Scott James, a pediatrician and author of the children’s book Deep Breath, Little Whisper. We're emphasizing prayer as accessible, relational, and possible anytime, not only at set routines. We also answer a listener question about teaching manners by linking them to love, respect, and growing in maturity. Deep Breath, Little Whisper Deep Breath, Little Whisper Activity Kit & Prayer Guide Check Out Our Parenting Page! 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! Speak To A Counselor
#157
November 4 · 43 min
Communicating to Kids with Confidence & Joy
Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta talk with Connie Albers, author of Parenting Beyond the Rules and mother of five grown children, about hearing what kids are really saying. When a child walks in and answers "fine," there is usually something underneath, and in a Gallup survey one in six parents said they struggle to comfort or communicate with their children. Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy, by Connie Albers Find out in about two minutes which kind of parent you are with the free parenting styles quiz Take the free 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment, the framework Danny returns to on every episode Send Danny and Rebecca your parenting question by voicemail on the Practice Makes Parent podcast page Speak with a Christian counselor at Focus on the Family:
#156
October 28 · 34 min
Unsure, Overwhelmed & Alone Moms
Are you questioning your abilities as a mom? Rebecca and Danny talk with a panel of moms about their pressures, guilt, burnout, and comparison. You can redefine your "success" as a mom through Help Club for Moms! We also answer a listener question that advises balancing a child’s bold faith-sharing with emotional awareness and respectful family conversations. Help Club For Moms: Inspiration and Practical Help for You, Your Home, and Your Family Connect with Help Club For Moms Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Speak To A Counselor
#155
October 21 · 35 min
Solid Parenting Tips
Dr. Danny and Rebecca speak with Pastor Jonathan Brozozog and his wife Joanne of Creative Church, and parents of eight. Your famiy is a team with Jesus as head coach. Here are practical ideas for communication—creating safe, phone-free rhythms, one-on-one time, listening, and using conversation. We'll also answer a listener’s question about spiritually leading teen daughters. Send this to someone you know! The Home Team: Winning Begins At Home Brio Magazine Launch Into The Teen Years For Parents Only Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Speak To A Counselor
#154
October 14 · 32 min
When Parents Are Incarcerated
Hosts Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James speak with Betsy Wright and Nikki Mattison from Angel Tree Ministry about children who have absent parents. If you know any grandparent raising their grandchild -- no matter if their incarcerated or not -- make sure to send them this podcast episode! We talk about how kids mask their shame, various trauma-informed approaches, and how to rebuild relationships. In the Q&A, theres advice for a grandmother raising teens to keep praying, encourage consistent communication, prioritize emotional safety, and seek counseling resources. Contact Prison Fellowship and Learn More About Angel Tree Call Our Counseling Line at 1800-A FAMILY 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! Speak To A Counselor
#153
October 7 · 38 min
Learning To Be Limitless with Nick Vujicic
If you've ever felt that you "can't" or that the obstacles in your life are too insurmountable, you've GOT to listen to Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James' conversation with Nick Vujicic! This will encourage you and your children to understand that there's purpose, no matter the pain and setbacks we may encounter. This is an inspiring podcast that will challenge your faith and give you confidence that you can have a life without limits. Share this with your friends and family! Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life Love Without Limits
#152
September 30 · 30 min
The Parenting Research Roundup
Do you have a favorite child? Probably! Are you a dolphin, elephant, or free-range parent? Do you know? Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James go through some recent research that explain, personality types, conscious and unconscious choices in your parenting. If you question your parenting, or if you're anxious about doing the right or wrong things, you'll learn a lot through this episode. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Want To Know Your Parenting Style? Parenting Tools Library Join the Focus on the Family Parenting Facebook Group Take Our Parenting Assessment Reach Out To Our Team of Christian Counselors
#151
September 23 · 31 min
The ADHD Family (Part 2 of 2)
We're continuing our conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of You, Me & Our ADHD Family, focusing on family communication. She highlights emotional regulation as a key ADHD-related challenges, using a “pool” metaphor for big emotions and encouraging families to develop preplanned self-regulation toolkits. We distinguish defiance from ADHD by responding to patterns once everyone is calm. We address self-medicating and we also take a listener question about using diet and nutrition to help with ADHD symptoms. If you or someone in your family has ADHD, let us know what you think of this program! You, Me, and Your ADHD Family 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! Speak To A Counselor
#150
September 16 · 33 min
The ADHD Family (Part 1 of 2)
Danny and Rebecca discuss ADHD with Dr. Tamara Rosier, founder of the ADD Center of West Michigan and author of "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family." If you or your children are having difficulty directing attention, Dr. Rosier has helpful advice that describes ADHD parenting as a “goat rodeo” and offers a “monkeys” naming technique to separate people from symptoms. We also answer a listener's question about too many extra curricular activities. You, Me, and Your ADHD Family Call Our Counseling Line at 1800-A FAMILY 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! Speak To A Counselor
#149
September 9 · 34 min
Bringing God's Word To Public Schools
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss how Christian parents can bring God’s Word into public schools. They talk with Kori Pennypacker, CEO of Bible2School and author of Backpack Faith. She explains that First Amendment freedoms protect students’ rights to express faith at appropriate times, including praying, reading the Bible, wearing religious messages, using faith in assignments, and meeting for Bible studies with equal access rules. We also answer a listener's question about taking her kids out of public school. Backpack Faith: Helping Your Child Live Confidently for Jesus in Public School Bring Your Bible To School Day Get Your Free Download of Important Decisions That Affect Your Child ABCDEF Sheet For Parents Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Alliance Defending Freedom Speak To A Counselor
#148
September 2 · 36 min
Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious ( Part 2 of 2)
Danny and Rebecca continue their conversation with Dave Boden about raising Gen Alpha (born 2010–2024) in an AI-shaped world. He describes risks of AI chatbots giving unsafe advice and reducing real-life relationships, and he outlines big data’s influence. Practical guidance includes parents learning AI realities, modeling healthy tech habits, answering teens’ identity/purpose/belonging questions through faith, family, and church, and prioritizing in-person rhythms. They also highlight SMART tech benefits and discuss balancing tech limits in homeschooling. Raising Gen Alpha Take Our FREE Parenting Assessment List Of Words Gen Alpha Says 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! Speak To A Counselor
#147
August 26 · 32 min
Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious (Part 1 of 2)
Are you raising Gen Alpha? Danny and Rebecca speak with author Dave Boden on the things that have impacted how this generation sees their lives. They emphasize parental self-regulation, asking for help, reframing thoughts, and teaching kids to face discomfort, while grounding their identity in faith. The Q&A covers Gen Alpha slang terms and points every parent should know. Raising Gen Alpha Take Our FREE Parenting Assessment List Of Words Gen Alpha Says 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! Speak To A Counselor
#146
August 19 · 25 min
Christian Worldview At Home & At School ( Part 2 of 2)
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James host part two with Billy Hutchinson, director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center on equipping parents to foster a biblical Christian worldview amid cultural pressures. They discuss, building relational “capital,” treating people as image-bearers, and parenting with an authoritative style. Practical take-a-ways include encouraging a safe space for questions about God, serving others, and meaningful liturgies like prayer and blessings. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World Equipping Parents for Back To School Download A Student's Guide To Culture Built For Resilience Webinar Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Parenting Style Quiz Speak To A Counselor
#142
August 12 · 27 min
Christian Worldview At Home & At School (Part 1 of 2)
How can you bolster your child's Christian worldview? Danny and Rebecca speak with Billy Hutchinson, of The Colson Center, and he urges parents to be primary disciple makers through intentional teaching and daily practices He gives tips on how to monitor school assignments, assess whether conflicts are occasional or systemic, and even how to request alternate assignments if the school is pushing your parenting boundaries. We also tackle how to address “woke” and LGBT ideologies through our Q & A. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World Equipping Parents for Back To School Download How The Colson Center Can Help Parents Respond To Wokeness Truth Rising Documentary: Chloe Cole Story Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Transgender Resources Speak To A Counselor
#141
August 5 · 30 min
Equipping Parents For Back To School
Dr. Danny Huerta hosts a special episode with Focus on the Family Policy Analyst, Jeff Johnston to brief parents on recent US Supreme Court developments affecting education. From "opting out" of assignments, to gender specific sports teams, we'll give you what you need to know for the start of the school year. We even discuss how to approach teachers, school administrations, and even school boards when a line has been crossed. Make sure you share this episode with all of the parents you're meeting at your child's school, and download the Equipping Parents for Back to School 2026 resource, too! 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Check Out The Daily Citizen Get Your Free Download of Equipping Parents For Back To School 2026 Bring Your Bible To School Day Information Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Helping Children Through An Identity Crisis Speak To A Counselor
#140
July 29 · 42 min
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 Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. Speak with one of our counselors
#139
July 22 · 36 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
#138
July 15 · 38 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!
#137
July 8 · 40 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!
#136
July 1 · 35 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.

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