Practice Makes Parent
Practice Makes Parent

<p>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.</p>

Over-protective parenting may feel natural, but it can lead teens to rebellion and entitlement. In this episode, join us as Danny continues the conversation with Ken Wilgus & Jessica Pfeiffer about why handing freedom over to your teen can create a greater sense of responsibility in them, and an easier parenting experience for you! Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she should handle her 13 year old's desire to stop attending church.   Click here to receive Dr. Wilgus' book "Feeding the Mouth that Bites You" for a gift of any amount!   Click here to learn more about Launch into the Teen Years   Click Here to Support the Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
As we guide our teens into adulthood, it's essential that they learn the responsibility that comes with independence. One of the best ways we can do that, as parents, is through "planned emancipation," which gradually grants them freedom to make their own choices before they leave the home. Join Danny as he sits down with Dr. Ken Wilgus & Jessica Pfeiffer to discuss planned emancipation. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she should handle her strong-willed 5th grader.   Click here to receive Dr. Wilgus' book "Feeding the Mouth that Bites You" 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.
Children are rapidly developing a worldview, so it is important that parents disciple them in such a way that their children are prepared to establish a biblical worldview that is resilient to the resistance of the world around them. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Barrett Johnson to talk about discipling your children to follow Christ. Later, we'll listen to a question from a listener who has concerns about their child's separation anxiety.   Click here to receive Barrett's book, Disciple Them Like Jesus, for a gift of any amount!   Click here to take Focus on the Family's free parenting assessment!   Click Here to Support the Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
In a culture that throws lies at your child from every direction, it's important for them to have a confident heart that stands strong on the Word of God. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Jill Garner to talk about what it looks like to raise your child to have a strong heart. Later, we'll listen to a question from a listener who has concerns about their anxious child.   Click here to receive StrongHeart by Jill Garner for a gift of any amount!   Want to know where you can improve as a parent? Click here to take our free assessment!   Click Here to Support the Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
As a Christian parent, you might be asking the question, is it okay to participate in Halloween? Join Danny & Rebecca as they discuss October 31st and it's implications for you and your kids. Later, we answer a question for a listener who how she should handle dishonesty from her 13-year-old daughter.   Click here to read the 'Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?' article from Focus on the Family   Pass out free trial memberships to the Adventures in Odyssey Club this Halloween!   Click Here to Support the Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On this episode, Dr. Ken Wilgus walks us through how to navigate "control battles" with your teen! Did you know that most teens want to tell their parents everything? Dr. Wilgus outlines the behavior in parents that causes their teens to keep things to themselves. Later, we hear a question from a mom who worries she's not equipped to raise her daughter well.   Pre-order Feeding the Mouth That Bites You   Help prepare your teenager to thrive! Check out Launch into the Teen Years.   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
Launching your teen into independence can be a tricky task! But have no fear.. Dr. Ken Wilgus is here to discuss his approach that gradually introduces adolescents to freedom and responsibility. Join Danny & Rebecca as they learn about Ken's excellent framework for launching successful adults. Later, we hear a question from a mom who feels like her teenager daughter is drifting away from her.   Pre-order Feeding the Mouth That Bites You   Take our free Parenting Assessment!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How do you instill a love of reading and writing in your kids in a screen driven world? Join us as Danny & Rebecca sit down with language arts expert Andrew Pudewa as he fills us in on the secret of how you can help your kids become excellent readers and writers. It's a lot easier than you might think! How and when to teach kids to read and to write? How do you help your child with reading comprehension?   Read the Bible as a Family!   What Kids Read: How Stories Develop Us   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with PluggedIn's Adam Holz to discuss bullying, cyberbullying, and what you can do as a parent to stop it. What is cyberbullying? How do you stop bullying in schools? We discuss these topics, and more, on this weeks episode.   Check out PluggedIn from Focus on the Family! A guide to entertainment and culture with a biblical lens.   How to Deal with Bullying   The Bullying Breakthrough   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How can you help your child with ADHD or dyslexia? Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with child development expert Danni Gugel to discuss how to treat dyslexia and ADHD without medication and set your child up for success. Later, we hear a question from a mom who wants to know how she can encourage her son who is having a tough time making friends.   Understanding and Loving Your Child with ADHD   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How do you lead your Gen Z, teen children through the craziness of modern culture? Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with author and parenting expert Jason Jimenez to discuss how you can use biblical knowledge and discipleship to help your children avoid the pitfalls of their generation. Later, we answer a question from a mom who wants to know how she can best give each of her kids quality time. Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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. Then, we answer a question from a mom who wants to know how she can best divide her attention amongst her attention-needy children.   Age and Stage   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
It's our Father's Day celebration on Practice Makes Parent. Danny and Rebecca discuss the importance of Dads in the family and share their favorite Fathers Day memories. Then Blake Brewer joins us to discuss his Legacy Letter and his mission to get a million Dads and Moms to write meaningful letter to their kids.   Dad Portal   Blake Brewer Legacy Letter   Age and Stage   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How do you develop Christian character in your kids and raise your children to be pro-life? Amy Ford joins Danny and Rebecca to discuss what it means to be pro-life and how to raise your children in a pro-life household. Later we answer a question for a listener that wants to know how she can create a better connection with her children.   Receive the book A Bump in Life for your donation of any amount!   Understanding the Myths of Gender Identify   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
In this episode we discuss how to have healthy conversations with the girls in our lives about sexuality. Danny and Rebecca are joined by Patti Garibay and she shares her thoughts on gender confusion and talking with your daughter about becoming sexuality active. . Later we get a question from a listener about how to deal with their kids friends that have values that conflict with theirs.   What to do if Your Teenage Daughter is Having Sex   Understanding the Myths of Gender Identify   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
We continue our discussion on how we talk to our kids about sex and when to give them "The Sex Talk"? Danny and Rebecca continue their conversation with author John Fort and offers practical advice for parents addressing this important topic with their son or daughter. Later Danny and Rebecca answer a question from a listener whose son saw pornography on the bus.   Receive the Launch Into the Teen years Kit!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How do we talk to our kids about sex and when is the right time to give them "The Sex Talk"? Danny and Rebecca dive into that with author John Fort on this episode. John offers practical advice for parents addressing this important topic with their son or daughter. Later Danny and Rebecca answer a question from a listener about their kids hearing sexual jokes at school.   Receive the Launch Into the Teen years Kit!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
This episode is all about celebrating Mom's! It's our Mothers Day special. Danny and Rebecca will chat with Rebecca's Mom Helen Smallbone. Helen shares their story of moving to America and the challenges they faced. She also talks about "Unsung Hero" the new movie on their family. Later Danny and Rebecca answer a question from a listener about how to help his wife thrive while she is struggling.   Receive the Book Behind the Lights for your donation of any amount!   Appreciating Moms   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St James discuss how to help kids with anxiety with Dr. Josh Straub. Separation anxiety and social anxiety in children under 10 are common. In today’s episode we cover the signs and practical ways to help.   Receive the book What Do I Do with Worry? for your donation of any amount!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
Rebecca St. James brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone join the show to discuss their movie Unsung Hero. Rebecca talks about seeing God perform miracles in her life. Danny discusses the helpful content from the film for parents that he took away about how to deal with adversity.   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
Danny and Rebecca continue their discussion with Jerusha Clark about depression in teens. In this episode they focus on how parents can be vulnerable with their kids and reminding them of Gods guiding light. Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners about finding activities to do with a child struggling with depression.   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
What are some signs of depression in teens? Jerusha Clark joins Danny and Rebecca to discuss teen depression and steps parents can take to recognize it. Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners who wants to know how she can encourage her son to make better decisions.   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
As we start to set boundaries around media, we need to make clear that we love our kids, even when they don’t follow the rules we put in place. We don’t want them to feel as if a boundary is more important that our relationship with them. There will be consequences, but we need to express our love for them. Parents need to put away their screens around their kids. They need to model what they want their kids to do. It comes down to having intentional family conversations around media and screens. Ask your kids how you are doing as a family with the boundaries.   Get the book Becoming a Screen Savvy Family for a gift of any amount!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How much screen time should kids have? Paul Asay and Adam Holz from The Plugged In Show chat with Danny and Rebecca about boundaries with children and screens. Plus, we'll hear a question from a listener who wants to know if she should let her daughter watch a show that's rated TV-MA!   Get the PluggedIn book for a gift of any amount!   Wondering what you should let your kids watch? Check out PluggedIn's website!   Check out Paul and Adam's podcast, The PluggedIn Show!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How can we overcome parental anxiety? Today, Danny and Rebecca talk with Aaron Sharp about how dads can deal with parenting stress. Plus, we'll hear a question from a dad who wants to know how he can help his wife with their newborn!   Get Aaron's book for a gift of any amount!   Want to know where you can improve as a parent? Click here to take our free assessment!   Donate Now!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
What kind of adventures lead to family connection? On today's episode, Danny and Rebecca are joined by Greta Eskridge, who shares some ideas for family adventure! Plus, we'll hear a question from a mom who wants to know what family adventures would be good for her young kids!   Get a copy of Greta's book for a gift of any amount!   Click here to learn more about Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey Club!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
What is the value of a stay-at-home mom? Today, Jen Babakhan joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about a stay-at-home mom vs a working mom. Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners who wants to know how she can find purpose as a stay-at-home mom!   Get the book Detoured for a gift of any amount!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
How can we be raising confident daughters? Today, Patty Garibay from American Heritage Girls joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about how you can build resiliency in your girls. Plus, we'll hear a question from a mom who is asking how to approach a tough topic with her daughter.   Get Patti's book for a gift of any amount!   Want to learn more about American Heritage Girls? Click here.
How can you avoid mom burnout? Today, Becky Baudouin joins Danny and Rebecca to share some encouraging words for moms! Plus, we have a question from a mom who wants to know where she can find mom support.   Get the book Enjoy Every Minute for a gift of any amount!   Are you struggling with mom burnout? Contact our Counseling team!
How do we respond to our strong willed child? Cynthia Tobias joins Danny and Rebecca to discuss how we can change our parent communication to reach our stubborn kids. Plus, we'll hear a question from a listener who wants to know how she can persuade her daughter to do her chores.   Get Cynthia's book for a gift of any amount!   Are you struggling with communication with your children? Contact our Counseling team!
How can we battle anxiety around our kids getting sick? On today's episode, Danny and Rebecca chat with Dr. Scott James about how we can pray for a sick child! Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners about how to keep a good attitude when her daughter just got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.   Receive the book God Cares for Me for a gift of any amount!   Unsure of what your next steps are as a single parent? Contact our counseling team for help!
What do you do when you become a single parent? Linda Ransom Jacobs joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about how a single parent family can thrive! Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners about how she can comfort her children as they experience feelings of abandonment.   Receive the book for a gift of any amount!   Unsure of what your next steps are as a single parent? Contact our counseling team for help!
Does a child-centered approach work? Kay Wyma joins Rebecca and Danny to talk about how to teach your child responsibility. Plus, we'll hear a question from a dad who wants to know how he can get his kids to do their chores with a good attitude!   Get Kay's book for a gift of any amount!
Why do we try to have an ideal family? Today, Julie Lowe joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about how we can parent each child uniquely and stop comparing yourself to others on social media. We'll also hear a question from a listener who is having trouble disciplining their two kids who are complete opposites.   Get a copy of Julie's book for a gift of any amount!
What is mom rage and how can we over come it? On today's episode, Danny and Rebecca talk with Becky Kopitzke about a term she came up with called, "Momster." Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners about how she can best communicate with her son without overreacting.   Get a copy of Becky's book for a gift of any amount!
What do we say to our girls when they have low self esteem? Today, Scarlet Hiltibidal joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about how we can help our girls find their identity in Christ! Plus, we'll hear a question from a dad who wants to know how he can encourage his daughter who's getting bullied at school.   He Numbered the Pores on My Face   Check out our Brio Magazine for teen girls!   Click here to read Rebecca's letter to her younger self!
Should we be teaching our kids about money? In today's episode, Danny and Rebecca talk with Matt Bell about how to teach our kids about money and how we can give our kids the right mindset around it. Plus, we'll hear a question from a parent who wants to teach their pre-teen about the power of a budget!   Receive the book Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management for your donation of any amount!
How can parents help their kids find their identity in Christ? Today, Natalie Frisk joins Rebecca and Danny to talk about the best ways to share Jesus with our kids. Plus, we'll hear a question from one of our listeners about how to tackle hard salvation questions with their child.   Receive the book Raising Disciples for your donation of any amount!   Check out this free video series about praying for your children!
Are your kids talking back? Today, Ginger Hubbard joins Danny and Rebecca to talk about how you can help your child overcome profanity, whining, and back talk! We'll also hear a question from a parent who is struggling with a child who has a problem with lying.   Click here to get Ginger's book for a gift of any amount!   Check out Ginger's article about how parents can tackle whining, teasing, and bickering in their kids!
How do we raise godly men? Jonathan Catherman joins Danny and Rebecca to discuss some practical tips for raising boys. Plus, Danny and Rebecca will answer a question about how to surround boys with good role models!   Get a copy of the book The Manual to Manhood for a gift of any amount!  https://store.focusonthefamily.com/the-manual-to-manhood/?refcd=1984003    Want to hear more from Jonathan Catherman? Check out his Focus on Family Broadcast!
Introducing Practice Makes Parent, the show that's not about perfection but transformation! On this first episode, our hosts Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss what they're most excited for on upcoming episodes.