

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 9, 2024 • 30min
The Power of Family Prayer
As parents, prayer is one of the most essential tools we have to guide, nurture, and protect our children. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with prolific Christian songwriter Tony Wood to discuss how intentional, heartfelt prayer can shape your child's spiritual growth and strengthen your relationship with them. Later, we answer a question from a mother who wants to know how she can help her daughter overcome suicidal ideation. Click here to receive a copy of Lord, Help Me Pray For My Kids for your donation of any amount! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Oct 2, 2024 • 31min
Mark Hancock: Raising Boys to be Godly Men
The definition of masculinity has become vague in modern culture, leaving many of our sons confused about what it means to be a man. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Mark Hancock to talk about how we can raise our sons to be men of God and maintain a biblical worldview on masculinity in a culture set against it. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how he can address issues about same sex attraction with his son. Click here to receive access to a free video series about how you can connect with your son! Click here to read an excellent Focus on the Family article about 'Raising Little Boys'! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Sep 25, 2024 • 26min
Raising Godly Girls
Modern culture is at war with Christian values, which can make raising our girls with a biblical worldview a challenge! Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Patti Garibay, founder of American Heritage Girls, to talk about how you can raise your daughters to follow Christ with a strong, lasting faith. Later, we answer a question from one of our listeners who wants to know about the boundaries he should establish as his teenager daughter starts dating. Click here to receive Patti's book, Why Curse the Darkness, When You Can Light a Candle?, for a gift of any amount! Click here to access the free Focus on the Family Dating Contract! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Sep 18, 2024 • 27min
Healthy Families, Happy Home
Cultivating good mental health in the home is tricky these days! It seems like most everything in the world stands against it. But there are things you can do to ensure your kids are set up to have healthy minds. Join us on this special episode as Dr. Danny Huerta & Rebecca St. James sit down to discuss what you can do to cultivate a mentally healthy home. Later, we hear a question from a listener who wants to know how they can protect their child from a 3 year old bully at church. Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Sep 11, 2024 • 30min
Tackling Anxiety with Dr. Gregory Jantz
Did you know that anxiety is the number one non-medical diagnosis in the country? And unfortunately, it's effecting our kids. Join us as we sit down with world renowned mental health expert Dr. Gregory Jantz to discuss what you can do about your child's anxiety, and your own. Later, we hear a question from a mom who wants to know how she can help her son overcome his fear of being alone. Get Dr. Jantz's book, The Anxiety Reset, for a gift of any amount! Call us at 1(800) 232-6459, or click here, to receive free counseling consultation 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.

Sep 4, 2024 • 29min
Equipping Parents for Back to School
Are you concerned with the radical changes being made to public school curriculum? On this weeks episode, join us as we sit down with policy experts Jeff Johnston and Autumn Leva to discuss how you can stand up for your child against the increasing indoctrination they face at school. Later, we hear a question from a dad who wants to know when it's appropriate to have "the talk" with his son. Click here to sign up for our free "Equipping Parents for Back to School" e-book! Click here to access our 'Launch into the Teen Years' resource! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Aug 28, 2024 • 31min
Balancing Kids, Marriage, and Work
Marriage experts, and hosts of the wildly popular podcast Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley join us to discuss if you can attain balance between parenting, marriage, and work. Spoiler alert - you can't! But you can find ways to integrate them with each other; listen to find out how. Later, we'll hear a question from a parent who wants to know how they should go about choosing a babysitter. Click here to receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage 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.

Aug 21, 2024 • 27min
Implementing a Chores System
Did you know that's it's possible for your child to enjoy their chores? Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with home organization expert Kristi Clover to discuss implementing a fun and effective chores system that engages the whole family. Later, we hear a question from a mom who wants to know when it's appropriate for her children to start cooking on their own. Click here to receive Kristi's book, M.O.M. - Master Organizer of Mayhem, for a gift of any amount! Simple Ways to Organize Your Home and Family Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Aug 14, 2024 • 28min
Turning Discipline into Encouragement
On this episode, we continue our look at a biblical approach to discipline with parent coaches Chad Hayenga and Lydia Rex. Learn how you can turn moments of discipline into opportunities to call out the strengths in your child. Later, we hear a question from a parent who wants to know how to respond to emotional outbursts from their toddler. Click here to receive Jim & Lynne's book, Discipline That Connects With Your Childs Heart, for a gift of any amount! Check out this great, free Focus on the Family resource for age appropriate discipline strategies, and much more! Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Aug 7, 2024 • 24min
Messages in Discipline
On this episode, Jim & Lynne Jackson join Danny & Rebecca to discuss the four essential messages behind their biblical discipline model. What messages are you sending your child when you discipline them? Later, we hear a question from a mom who wants to know if her 13-year-old is too young to have social media. Click here to receive Jim & Lynne's book, Discipline That Connects With Your Childs Heart, for a gift of any amount! Check out this great, free Focus on the Family resource for age appropriate discipline strategies, and much more! Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.


