
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

Apr 23, 2025 • 52min
How To Find Peace In Tough Times
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James interview Nicole Zasowski, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her experiences with loss, grief, and finding joy through faith. They discuss practical ways to overcome negative mindsets, the importance of savoring daily moments, and celebrating intrinsic traits over achievements. The episode also includes advice on addressing sensitive topics with teenagers and emphasizes gratitude as a practice to foster joy and resilience. Danny and Rebecca answer a listener's question about approaching her teenage daughter about sexual activity, emphasizing open communication and grace. 7 Traits of Highly Effective Parenting We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Apr 16, 2025 • 49min
The Land Of Step Parenting
On this edition of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca talk about the importance of having support systems for blended families with Scott and Deana Thayer. You'll hear their stories as they recommend seeking objective perspectives from therapists, finding mentor couples, and participating in church support groups as you blend. We'll also answer a question from a couple who care for a special needs child, but are concerned that their other children may feel neglected. Building Love Together In Blended Families We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Call our Counseling Line Click Here to Join a Free Trial of AIO Click Here to Support the Show!

Apr 9, 2025 • 35min
The Easter Lamb
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the importance of instilling the true meaning of Easter in children. They are joined by John Greco, author of 'The Easter Lamb,' a children's book that connects Passover to Easter. The conversation explores methods to teach children about these significant religious events amidst cultural distractions like the Easter Bunny. They emphasize the value of intentional parenting, involving age-appropriate conversations, crafts, and activities while focusing on Jesus’ role in these celebrations. Parenting resources can be found at The Easter Lamb: Jesus, Passover, and God’s Amazing Plan to Rescue Us We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Family Reading Of Scripture Focus On The Family Magazine Launch Into The Teen Years Call our Counseling Department Click Here to Support the Show!

Apr 2, 2025 • 49min
Unshaken By A Strong Willed Child
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, we talk about the challenges and experiences of raising strong-willed children. Sally Burke joins Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James and discusses incidents from her child's early years, how strong-willed behavior manifested, and how these situations were handled with a mix of discipline and understanding. You'll hear the importance of prayer and using scripture as a foundation for guiding and nurturing children. Plus, you'll learn tactics for instilling empathy, establishing boundaries, and encouraging obedience without crushing the child's spirit. The role of community support and the power of joint parental prayer are also highlighted. Your child can be transformed into a leader through spiritual development! We also answer a listener email on overwhelming children with extracurricular activities. Parenting resources can be found at MomLifeU.com We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Find us on YouTube. Click Here to Support the Show!

Mar 26, 2025 • 38min
Mom Set Free
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca speak with Jeannie Cunnion about the mental stress mothers face. We empower moms to leave the worry, anger, guilt, and comparison behind and have confidence in God's grace. We also answer a lister email from a mother of toddlers who feels as though she's losing her identity. Receive the book Mom Set Free for your donation of any amount Age & Stage Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Mar 19, 2025 • 50min
Our Kids Are Digital Natives
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Arlene Pellicane shares practical ideas on how to manage your children's digital time. Dr. Danny Huerta also shares details on what screen time does to a child's brain and gives parents suggestions on setting boundaries. We also answer a listener email on what parents can do when their children are unruly at restaurants. Check out the 7 Traits of Effect Parenting Assessment to give you some practical ways to grow as a parent. Parents are invited to check out The Live It Challenge that equips students and families to live out and pass down their faith through a series of fun, practical activities. Adventures In Odyssey are practical programs that parents can look into as they shape their children's digital screentime. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
P.S. It's Gonna Be Good
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Heidi Lee Anderson shares her encouragement for moms in helping them answer the big questions like, "What If I don't have what it takes?". We cover practical advice on combating parental self-doubt, comparison, and perfectionism. Additionally, Heidi discusses the importance of community, prayer, and prioritizing key aspects of life while managing imperfections. A listener's question about adult children moving out is addressed, providing insights on fostering independence. The episode concludes with encouragement for parents to trust in God’s plan and to seek support through community and counseling. Check out the 7 Traits of Effect Parenting Assessment to give you some practical ways to grow as a parent. You can also find parenting tips at FocusOnParenting.com We also have counselors who can help with any parent/child relationship question. Call us at 1800-232-6459. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Mar 5, 2025 • 42min
The 7 Traits Of Effective Parenting
On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta dive into the seven traits of effective parenting inspired by research and biblical principles. They discuss adaptability, respect, intentionality, steadfast love, boundaries and limits, grace and forgiveness, and gratitude. Danny outlines how these traits can be implemented and how the parenting assessment tool can help parents understand their strengths and areas for growth with each child. The conversation emphasizes the importance of modeling these traits, their impact on parent-child relationships, and practical examples of each trait. There's also a Q&A addressing how parents can handle financially dependent adult children while teaching responsibility and gratitude. Click on the show notes for more information on the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Tool. Discover practical strategies to reduce financial burdens, manage debt effectively, and achieve long-term financial stability. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Feb 26, 2025 • 50min
Emotions In Parenting: Shaping Futures
Do you feel like you're failing as a parent? We've all been there! On this episode, Pastor Gary Thomas, the author of Sacred Parenting, breaks down how moms and dads can work through impatience, anger, and exhaustion by understanding how our children see humility and sacrifice. We will also answer a listener question about helping rebellious teenagers learn respect and responsibility. Click here to ask for Gary Thomas' book, Sacred Parenting, for a gift of any amount. Call 1800AFAMILY for our counseling department, and we can put more information about that process in the show notes. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Feb 19, 2025 • 45min
How to Overcome Anxiety in Parenting
Chances are, if you're a parent, you do battle with parenting anxiety. It's natural (it's your job to keep your kids alive!), but there is a supernatural source of peace that will both settle your mind and protect your children. Join Danny & Rebecca as they talk to Alison Calhoun about her battle with anxiety after a miscarriage, and the dramatic ways the Lord has shown up through it all. Later, we answer a question from a parent who wants to know how she can address her daughter's doubts about the faith. If you're in need of counseling, Focus on the Family offers a free counseling consultation. Click here for our consultation form, or call our counseling line at 1(800) 232-6459. Click here to check out the RVL Discipleship series from Focus on the Family! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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