

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

Jan 14, 2026 • 47min
How to Teach Kids Theology
Get ready for a strong episode of Practice Makes Parent. We're going to discuss theology and its importance in both religious education and practical life application. Our guests are Sam Luce and Hunter Williams authors of the book, 'How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith.' They discuss the lack of theological training resources for children's pastors, and techniques for teaching complex concepts like the Trinity to children. They also highlight the importance of catechisms and emphasize teaching theology through lived experience and scripture. How To Teach Kids Theology Learn More About The Family Reading of Scripture Seven Ways Your Kids Can Connect With God Here Are The Age & Stage Resources Here Are Magazines For Your Kids! Check Out The Built For Resilience Webinar! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Jan 7, 2026 • 37min
Raising Gender Confident Kids Pt. 2
In this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James continue their discussion on raising gender-confident children with Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch, co-authors of Raising Gender Confident Kids. We continue to discuss the sensitive topics of gender identity, understanding gender differences, and teaching children to respect and harmonize with each other's unique qualities. We'll address how parents can maintain a healthy communication framework with their children on these topics and we answer a listener question about guiding children in a culture of preferred pronouns. This is one of those programs that you'll want to share with your friends. Raising Gender Confident Kids Launch Into The Teen Years Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Dec 31, 2025 • 48min
Raising Gender Confident Kids, Pt. 1
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the importance of raising children with confidence and clarity in a world filled with misinformation with Dr. Jeff Meyers and Dr. Kathy Cook, who have extensive experience in child development and biblical parenting. They emphasize the significance of providing correct information on gender identity and the importance of parent-child conversations to counter cultural lies. We're giving loving, practical advice on establishing trust, being observant, and having meaningful conversations with children. Raising Gender Confident Kids 7 Ways Your Kids Can Connect With God Helping Your Child Thrive with Gender Confidence Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Dec 24, 2025 • 43min
When Your Path Isn't What You Expected
How do the unpredictable life events challenge and transform us? Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James speak with Sheila Walsh, an author, bible teacher, and speaker, whose life story revolves around overcoming adversity. Sheila discusses the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and trust in God, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to instill these values in children. We'll also answer a listener's question about how to handle unfairness and fostering a household culture of gratitude and service. The Little Drummer Girl Holding On When You Want to Let Go Article: Raising Resilient Kids Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Dec 17, 2025 • 42min
Growing Kindness: Teaching Kids to Volunteer
Have you ever thought about serving your community as a family? On this episode, Danny and Rebecca speak with Justin Knoop, the founder of Blessing Boys. Justin and his four sons perform free lawn care services for those in need, inspired by their mission work and personal transformation through faith. Justin explains the profound impact of these acts of service on both his family and the community, and we encourage you to explore this idea in your home. We talk about overcoming the awkwardness of helping strangers, instilling values of gratitude and service in children, and balancing energy and discipline in boys. The Crib To College Update shares research done on exposing children to various foods to help prevent food allergies later in life. The Hidden Garden: A Blessing Boys' Adventure Age & Stage Resources What Are Your Parenting Strengths? Find Out Here! Here Are Some Ideas To Serve As A Family Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Dec 10, 2025 • 46min
Helping Kids Though The Tough Stuff
Darby Strickland, a seasoned counselor and author, shares her insights on guiding children through tough life transitions and emotional challenges. She highlights the vital role of allowing kids to experience their feelings, especially during changes like divorce or school moves. Darby discusses warning signs of stress in young children and teens, along with effective ways to engage with them through open conversation. Her children's books aim to help kids understand grief and trust in God, providing practical tools for parents to support their kids emotionally.

Dec 3, 2025 • 50min
Christmas Reflections For The Family
Merry Christmas from the entire Practice Makes Parent team! On this episode Danny and Rebecca discuss the joys and complexities of Christmas. They share personal stories, family traditions, and the challenges of maintaining a Christ-centered, less materialistic holiday. We touch on family dynamics, managing expectations, and the impact of grief during the holiday season with commentary from Mary Hunt, Kathy Lip, Greg and Erin Smalley, and Levi and Jenny Lesco. We also talk about how parents can promote charitable activities that will bless others, too. Sign Up For The Free Parenting eNewsletter Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 41min
Building A Spiritually Vibrant Home
In this discussion, Don Everts, a senior pastor and author of 'The Spiritually Vibrant Home,' shares insights from his research with Barna Group. He explores the significance of household imagery in representing the Kingdom of God. Don highlights the contrast between ancient households and modern families, advocating for communal living. He identifies key habits of vibrant homes: messy prayers, loud tables, and open doors, emphasizing that these practices foster genuine spiritual growth and connection among family members.

Nov 19, 2025 • 46min
Family Conversations on The Case For Christmas with Lee Strobel
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of transforming parenting through the lens of faith, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas with special guest Lee Strobel. He shares insights on nurturing children’s faith, particularly during the Christmas season, recounting personal experiences and the story of St. Nicholas. The discussion shifts to how parents can counter consumerism and instill values of generosity and humility in their children, suggesting practical activities and the importance of curiosity. We even talk about how to share the historical truths of the virgin birth to reinforce faith in your kids. Our Q & A segment gives advice for dealing with kids' materialistic tendencies and emphasizes the benefits of spending quality time, such as reading with children, to enhance their development and family bonds. The Case For Christmas Is Your Kid a Contributor or a Consumer? Family Reading of Scripture Check out Brio Magazine Send us your email or voicemail questions here! Check out Clubhouse Magazine Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Nov 12, 2025 • 57min
Lionhearted-A Father's Guide To Life & Raising Sons
Brandon and David Lindell, both passionate pastors and co-authors of 'Lionhearted,' delve into the modern challenges of fatherhood. They discuss the cultural pressures on men, underscoring the importance of emotional engagement over traditional toughness. The Lindells emphasize vulnerability and the act of modeling humility for sons, promoting healthy family dynamics. They also highlight the crucial role of supportive wives in nurturing a godly home. Finally, they provide practical advice on fostering spiritual leadership and intentional conversations with children.


