
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

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!

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.