
Practice Makes Parent
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.
Latest episodes

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!

May 14, 2025 • 56min
Justin Whitmel Earley - Household Habits for Worship
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, hosts Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James are joined by Justin Whitmel Earley to discuss his book 'Habits of the Household.' We'll talk about creating intentional family habits that foster transformation rather than perfection. Justin shares his personal experiences and strategies for integrating daily spiritual routines, like bedtime liturgies and morning prayers into family life. There are wonderful tips on building community, discipline, maintaining grace, plus we'll highlight practical examples with technology boundaries and family dinners. Then, we'll answer a listener question on dealing with disrespectful behavior in children. Habits of the Household Age & Stage We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

May 7, 2025 • 58min
Daughters, Friends & Mean Girls
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the critical role of friendships during the pre-teen and teenage years. They explore the dynamics of mean girls and the impact of friendships on children's mental health. Guest Dannah Gresh, founder of True Girl and Pure Freedom Ministries, shares insights on tackling friendship issues, building self-worth, and handling boy craziness. Talking With Your Daughter About Best Friends & Mean Girls Launching Into The Teen Years Age and Stage Assessment We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Apr 30, 2025 • 57min
The Baggage Kids Carry
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss strategies for parents to help their children manage emotional baggage. We highlight the importance of addressing the mental health crisis affecting youth, emphasizing dealing with stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens. The conversation, featuring insights from guest Pastor Chris Sasser, focuses on understanding and lightening children's emotional loads through the analogy of 'bags', exploring various types of emotional baggage such as performance pressure, identity struggles, and relational issues. Chris shares his experiences from over 30 years in family ministry, offering practical advice like reducing pressure at home and balancing performance with affirming Godly character. Then we answer a listener voicemail question about aggressive siblings and how to curb physical aggression and teach self control. Bags: Helping Your Kids Lighten The Load Want unity in your home? Check out Hope Restored marriage intensive. Preview an episode and sign up for a free-trial to The Adventures In Odyssey Club. Emotional Baggage Adventures In Odyssey - 12 Stories on Procrastination, Empathy, and more! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!