

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

Oct 22, 2025 • 57min
Mentally Strong Disciplined Kids with Dr. Daniel Amen
This special 100th episode of 'Practice Makes Parent' features renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, Dr. Daniel Amen. They discuss the importance of brain health in parenting and how small daily habits can build resilience in children. Dr. Amen shares insights from his research on brain imaging and how understanding brain health can transform mental health approaches. Learn how to guard your child's mental health with this free video series Free Digital Download: Focusing On Your Family's Mental Health Join Parenting Scripts: When What You're Saying Isn't Working, Say Something New Support the show! Here's how you can subscribe to Brio Teen Magazine. Here's a discount code for October and November. MAGS2510 We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Oct 15, 2025 • 58min
Teaching Resilience: Raising An Overcomer
This is an EPIC episode of Practice Makes Parent! Danny and Rebecca discuss the importance of resilience in children and how parents can foster it with Dr. Nicole Wilke. They focus on developing Christlike character, the benefits of challenges, and the role of parental support in children's growth. The Q&A segment addresses handling sibling rivalry, disrespect, and habitual lying, offering advice on fostering respect, grace, and joy in difficult parenting situations. Practical tips for resilience, such as focusing on words, character development, and practicing perseverance make this a great episode to share with your friends! Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience Teaching Kids To Find Purpose in the Mess Ups Join Check out our Free Parenting Assessment Tool! Support the show! Here's how you can subscribe to Brio Teen Magazine. Here's a discount code for October and November. MAGS2510 We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
Praying for the Heart of Teen Girls
On this episode, Danny and Rebecca discuss the importance of praying for teenage girls with guest Stacey Thacker. They explore the unique pressures teenage girls face today, including loneliness, anxiety, and the influence of social media. Stacey emphasizes the value of intentional prayer, family discussions, and mentorship. We'll also address a dad's email about how to discuss womanhood with his twin daughters, and the need for both parents to engage in conversations about puberty and spirituality. Praying for Teen Girls: Partnering with God for the Heart of Your Daughter Launching Into the Teen Years (Get 20% off with discount code INTOTHETEENS20 ) Join MyKidsAge.com Enjoy the new documentary: Truth Rising More parenting resources here! American Heritage Girl mentorship information Want to talk to a Counselor? Call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Oct 1, 2025 • 41min
Loving God In Your Family
Wondering how to help your kids internalize the Love of God? On this insightful episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca discuss the transformative journey of parenting with neuroscientist and theologian Dr. Andrea La Fountain, author of Loving God: A Scriptural and Psychological Guide to Fulfilling the Greatest Commandment. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, providing practical examples for different developmental stages. We also answer a listener’s question on encouraging a hyperactive child to listen better, offering both biochemical and behavioral strategies. Loving God: A Scriptural and Psychological Guide to Fulfilling the Greatest Commandment Enjoy the new documentary: Truth Rising Join MyKidsAge.com and get FREE resources! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Sep 24, 2025 • 52min
Teaching Preteens About Faith
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss how parents can strategically address the preteen (and teen) years with Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery. We'll talk how parents can emphasize the importance of intentional relationships, understand developmental changes, and the role of service in faith formation. Faith That Sticks View the new documentary: Truth Rising Bring Your Bible To School Day Learn more about Launch Into The Teen Years We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Sep 17, 2025 • 52min
Helping Children on the Spectrum
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss autism and family dynamics with Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a certified autism specialist. They cover a range of topics, including recognizing autism symptoms, navigating the diagnostic process, and effective therapies. Dr. Holmes shares her personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the importance of community support, early intervention, and maintaining a balanced family life. Finally, Dr. Holmes' daughter, Sydney, offers a message of hope for individuals on the autism spectrum. Embracing the Autism Spectrum Take the FREE 7 Traits of Parenting Assessment Sign up for the Free Age & Stage Resources International Dyslexia Association We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Sep 10, 2025 • 39min
Demystifying Dyslexia
Have you ever wondered if you or your child was dyslexic? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss dyslexia and its impact on children and families. They are joined by Dr. Rebecca Sanford, an expert in educational leadership, who shares her personal and professional experiences. The conversation covers identifying signs of dyslexia and effective educational strategies. We want to emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing the strengths and creativity often found in individuals with dyslexia, too! Resources For Parents: Books, Broadcasts, and More How To Work With Your Child's School Become a Sustainer and receive the limited Age & Stage book International Dyslexia Association We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
Meaningful Mommy Daughter Time
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the importance of intentional parenting and the transformative relationships between mothers and daughters. They highlight the impactful work of Relay Exchange, a program that fosters mother-daughter bonding through skill-building, biblical lessons, and service projects. One of our listeners gets advice on her 9-year-old daughter's readiness for baptism. And we'll talk about what's happening in school districts all over the country, and how parents can get involved and know their rights. Get involved in Relay Exchange The Seven Traits Assessment Want to know more about our Age & Stage resources? Learn more about the rights of parents and students for the new school year. FREE Equipping Parents For Back To School PDF We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Aug 27, 2025 • 45min
Praying For The Heart of Teen Boys
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James host a live session in Virginia, focusing on the importance of prayer in transforming parenting, especially for those with teen boys. They're joined by Brooke McGlothlin, who shares her personal experiences and insights as a mother and counselor. Brooke emphasizes the essential role of prayer in raising godly men, detailing how her desperation for divine help during her sons' early years led her to a deeper spiritual journey. Praying For The Heart of Teen Boys Sign Up for the FREE Age & Stage Resource We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.

Aug 20, 2025 • 52min
Raising Culturally Aware Kids
In this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James are live from a homeschool conference in Virginia, joined by Amber O'Neill Johnson, a homeschool mom who advocates for diversity in education. Amber shares her family's journey of addressing cultural identity and promoting diversity in their homeschool curriculum. She discusses the importance of storytelling and embracing cultural differences, offering practical advice for parents to foster an inclusive and resilient environment for their children. We'll also answer questions from the audience and provide actionable tips on managing kids' activities, encouraging curiosity about differences, and approaching difficult historical conversations. Sign Up for the FREE Age & Stage Resource We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.