

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

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.

Feb 12, 2025 • 40min
Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About Jesus
Did you know that you can use every day moments with your kids to teach them about Jesus? Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Gracia Olivas to talk about the practical ways she teaches her kids about Jesus. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to when her and her husband should tell their kids that one of them was previously married. Click here to receive Danny's book, Seven Traits of Effective Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to check out Gracia's instagram, @rootedinmore, for great practical ways to teach your kids about Christ! Click here to sign up for Family Reading of Scripture, for free, from Focus on the Family! Click here for Launch into the Teen Years 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.

Feb 5, 2025 • 60min
Lasting Ever: Finding God’s Grace for Your Family in Life’s Difficulties
In this special, extended edition of Practice Makes Parent... Rebecca's husband is here! You might know him from the band Foster the People, or as the director of your future favorite Netflix series, but Cubbie is also an excellent husband and father. And they just released a book called Lasting Ever! Join us this week as Danny interviews Cubbie & Rebecca about their new book, their parenting journey, and the Lord's involvement in it all. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can help her 13 year-old deal with anger. Click here to receive Rebecca & Cubbie's book, Lasting Ever, for a gift of any amount! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Jan 29, 2025 • 46min
Encouraging Kindness in Your Kids
Every day presents a new opportunity to model kindness for our kids, whether that's at the grocery store, at home, or with friends and family. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Christina Watkins to discuss the importance of kindness, and how you can model if for your kids. Later, we answer a question from a listener whose daughter recently started displaying OCD behaviors. Click here to receive Danny's book, Seven Traits of Effective Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to check out Christina's instagram, @raisingkindbabies Click here to fill out a free counseling consultation form from Focus on the Family, or call us at 1(800) 232-6459 Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
The Benefits & Challenges of Homeschooling
More and more parents are choosing to homeschool their children, and if there's one thing we want to encourage you with, it's that you're capable of doing so! Join Danny & Rebecca this week as they sit down with author and mother of nine Rhonda Robinson to discuss the benefits of homeschooling. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how they can balance discipline and independence in their strong-willed child. Click here to learn the homeschooling laws in your state! Join John Fuller, Dr. Danny Huerta, and featured guests as they cover a wide range of topics, that are impacting our school systems, in the Thriving Student Podcast. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

5 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 30min
Meeting Your Child's Core Needs
Dr. David Clarke, a licensed psychologist and author, shares insights on navigating the challenges of parenting in today's fast-paced world. He emphasizes the significance of nurturing emotional connections within families while also tackling the unique struggles faced by single parents. The conversation includes practical strategies for maintaining consistency in discipline, using humor to connect with kids, and the crucial importance of seeking community support. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize self-care and strengthen their family dynamics.

Jan 8, 2025 • 34min
Helping Your Children Navigate Adoption
Adoption is a beautiful & precious gift for everyone involved, but the new family dynamic can be challenging to navigate, especially for children already in the home. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with author Kate Rietema to discuss how you can prepare your children to receive an adopted sibling. Later, we answer a question from a listener who needs help motivating his unmotivated daughter. Click here to receive Kate's children's book, All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption, for a gift of any amount! Click here for a list of excellent free adoption & foster care resources 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.

Jan 1, 2025 • 31min
How Parenting Shapes Us with Gary Thomas
The day-in, day-out of every day parenting requires a lot of sacrifice, and as parents, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Gary Thomas to discuss how the sacrifice of parenting shapes us into image bearers of Christ. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can develop a strong Christian foundation in her 5, 6, & 7 year olds. Click here to receive Gary's book, Sacred Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to sign up for Focus on the Family's free Age & Stage newsletter! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Dec 25, 2024 • 34min
The Importance of Manners & Respect
Are you worried that proper manners & respect are becoming a thing of the past? This week, join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Jill Garner to discuss the importance and practicality of helping your kids develop good manners. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know if her husband is being too hard on their son. Click here to check out Jill's organization, Manners of the Heart! Click here to sign up for Focus on the Family's free Age & Stage newsletter! 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 for a great free video series from Focus on the Family that will help you instill Godly character in your kids! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.


