

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 49min
Your Past Doesn't Equal Your Future
In a live episode of Practice Makes Parent'at the Virginia Homeschool Convention, Danny and Rebecca are joined by bestselling author Lisa Jo Baker to discuss the impact of inherited traits and the process of forgiveness. Lisa Jo delves into her personal story of overcoming the anger she experienced from her father, and the transformation that comes from God's love and redemption. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing deep-seated emotions, and we take an audience question about setting boundaries in toxic relationships, and the critical role of forgiveness in healing and personal growth. Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse No one should feel unsafe. Click here if you need help for an abusive relationship. We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Jul 16, 2025 • 47min
Homeschool Support & Guidance
Are you a homeschooler, or thinking about it? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca are at the Homeschool Educators Association of Virginia talking with Christy Faith, an experienced homeschool advocate and educator. Christy shares her journey and emphasizes the importance of redefining education to include critical thinking and emotional intelligence, as well as challenging the traditional school system's focus on rote learning. The conversation covers free play, secure attachment, and interest-led learning. We'll also address concerns about the organization and structure of homeschooling, the need for periodic assessment, and the importance of intentional parenting. Receive the book Homeschool Basics for a gift of any amount. We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Jul 9, 2025 • 48min
Filled By Foster Parenting
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca and Danny discuss the complexities and rewards of foster care with Jamie Finn, founder of Foster the Family and host of The Real Mom podcast. The discussion covers the emotional and logistical challenges of fostering, the importance of unity and intentionality in family decisions, and the critical role of faith and sacrificial love in parenting. Jaime shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, emphasizing the mission-oriented nature of foster parenting and the ways it can spiritually and emotionally transform both parents and children. Receive the book Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent's Heart for a gift of any amount. Article featuring Jamie & her husband Alan. Wait No More Sacred Search We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Jul 2, 2025 • 37min
Trusting God As Our Child Grows Up
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the emotions and transitions experienced by parents and children, from the first school drop-off to adulthood. We'll talk with Erin McPherson, author of 'The Christian Mama's Guide' series of books, who offers insights on raising children through various stages, emphasizing heart goals over head goals. Erin highlights the importance of preparing kids for life's transitions, fostering character, and handling technology responsibly. Receive the book The Christian Momma's Guide To The Grade School Years for a gift of any amount. Age & Stage Assessment Tool Dr. John Trent & Dr. Dewey Wilson: The Relationally Intelligent Child We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Jun 25, 2025 • 53min
The Nature of Rest For Kids
On this episode of 'Practice Makes Parent,' Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of rest and the outdoors in family life with Eryn Lynum, a master naturalist who shares insights into the importance of rest, its biblical foundations, and practical ways to incorporate daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of rest into family life. Receive the book The Nature Of Rest for a gift of any amount. The 7 Traits of Effective Parenting We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Jun 18, 2025 • 53min
Don't Parent Alone
In this engaging and heartfelt episode of Practice Makes Parent, Heather McFadyen, the mother of four boys, shares her journey and challenges in raising her children and her transition from feeling overwhelmed to finding a God-centered approach to parenting. Danny and Rebecca ask about the pressures of modern parenting, dealing with anger and emotional triggers, and the importance of self-care and community support. Heather emphasizes the need for vulnerability, patience, and building connections with other mothers. Receive Heather's book, Don't Mom Alone for a gift of any amount. MomLifeU.com Text "LOVE" to 32728 for 5 Winning Ideas for moms. Feeding The Mouth That Bites You Good & Angry We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Jun 11, 2025 • 50min
Teaching Children Relational Intelligence
Is your child relationally intelligent? And how do parents go about teaching that? On this edition of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss these vital topics with renowned experts Dr. John Trent and Dr. Dewey Wilson. The conversation underscores the significance of parents modeling emotional and relational intelligence. They explore key issues such as the impact of social media, 2020's societal changes, and the consumerist messaging children receive. The Relationally Intelligent Child 5 Emotional and Relational Intelligence Skills, by John Trent Parenting Assessment We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Jun 4, 2025 • 56min
Talking To Kids About Porn
What have you done to protect your children from pornography? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca discuss the various emotional responses children might have upon encountering pornography, such as fear, disgust, or curiosity with author Greta Eskridge. We'll give you tips to talk to children about the harmful effects of pornography to prevent feelings of shame, and discourage curiosity that might lead them back to it. We'll also give you some tools to help them reject pornography as they grow older. Plus, we'll answer a listener email about her son's attraction to violent video games. It's Time To Talk To Your Kids About Porn Need help for a pornography addiction? How To Quit Porn: Seven Strategies for Your Teens The 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Launch Into The Teen Years We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

May 28, 2025 • 57min
Helping Anxious Children
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the prevalent issue of anxiety in children, exploring its developmental, situational, and physiological roots with licensed professional counselor, Julie Lowe. They address how modern media, social pressure, and changes in family dynamics contribute to rising anxiety levels among children. We'll also share personal anecdotes and practical advice on identifying anxiety, the importance of parental support, fostering resilience, and the efficacy of family rhythms. Then, we'll answer a listener question on a father's struggle to regain his children's respect after an affair. Booklet: Helping Your Anxious Child: What To Do When Worries Get Big. Listen to Dr. Gregory Jantz address the increasing anxiety being experienced in modern culture. Hope Restored We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

May 21, 2025 • 41min
Tim Shoemaker - Making Family Devotions Fun for Kids
How can we make family devotions fun for the whole family? Join Danny and Rebecca as they sit down with author and family devotions expert Tim Shoemaker to discuss some really exciting ways you can engage your family in fun biblical learning. We underscore the essence of devotions as part of parental responsibility to pass on truth to your kids and create lasting memories. We also answer a listener email question about a toddler who is out of control. This is an episode that you're going to want to share with your friends and family, so forward this link! The Very Best, Hands On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions Family Reading Of Scritpture 7 Traits of Effective Parenting We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!