Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James
Focus On The Family With Jim DalyDive 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
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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.
Videos
- 1Bringing God's Word To Public Schools | Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss how Christian parents can bring God’s Word into public schools. They talk with Kori Pennypacker, CEO of Bible2School and author of Backpack Faith. She explains that First Amendment freedoms protect students’ rights to express faith at appropriate times, including praying, reading the Bible, wearing religious messages, and using faith in assignments.
- 2Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious Part 2 | Practice Makes ParentDanny and Rebecca continue their conversation with Dave Boden about raising Gen Alpha in an AI-shaped world. He describes risks of AI chatbots giving unsafe advice and reducing real-life relationships. Practical guidance includes parents learning AI realities, modeling healthy tech habits, answering teens’ identity/purpose/belonging questions through faith, family, and church.
- 3Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious Part 1 | Practice Makes ParentAre you raising Gen Alpha? Danny and Rebecca speak with author Dave Boden on the things that have impacted how this generation sees their lives. They emphasize parental self-regulation, asking for help, reframing thoughts, and teaching kids to face discomfort, while grounding their identity in faith. The Q&A covers Gen Alpha slang terms and points every parent should know.
- 4Christian Worldview At Home & At School ( Part 2 of 2) | Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James host part two with Billy Hutchinson, director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center on equipping parents to foster a biblical Christian worldview amid cultural pressures. They discuss, building relational “capital,” treating people as image-bearers, and parenting with an authoritative style.
- 5Christian Worldview At Home & At School | Practice Makes ParentDanny and Rebecca speak with Billy Hutchinson, of The Colson Center, and he urges parents to be primary disciple makers through intentional teaching and daily practices He gives tips on how to monitor school assignments, assess whether conflicts are occasional or systemic, and even how to request alternate assignments if the school is pushing your parenting boundaries.
- 6Equipping Parents For Back To School | Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta hosts a special episode with Focus on the Family Policy Analyst, Jeff Johnston to brief parents on recent US Supreme Court developments affecting education. From "opting out" of assignments, to gender specific sports teams, we'll give you what you need to know for the start of the school year.
- 7Helping Moms Understand God's Truth with Erica Ligenza Gwynn | Practice Makes ParentHave you ever asked yourself if what you believe is REALLY true? Or is it something that culture has influenced in your day-to-day life? Danny and Rebecca welcome Erica Ligenza Gwynn to discuss her book, That’s Just Not True. Erica shares how motherhood exposed half-truths like “I can do anything,” and discusses trusting God through problems rather than doing everything to prevent them.
- 8Q & A Session | Practice Makes ParentIt's another Q & A Show where Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James answer your parenting questions. This time, we advise a single mom in Compton, address a worried mom about her 17-year-old pursuing entertainment, and we respond to a child who dislikes spanking, We also help a mom whose 12-year-old is cutting, and counsel a dad of a sensitive 5-year-old to affirm his temperment and sexuality.
- 9Teaching Children Values | Practice Makes ParentRebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss concerns about declining patriotism among younger Americans with Dr. Ben Carson, who shares his childhood story of poverty, his mother’s emphasis on reading and personal responsibility, and how it shaped his trajectory. There are lots of resources mentioned for parents to help their children learn about history in this one. We know you'll enjoy it!
- 10Fun Ways to Teach Theology | Practice Makes ParentWhat are ways to teach your children about the Glory of God? Ryan Frederick, co-founder of FierceMarriage.com and author of the Adam and Iota series, explains vocabulary and theology to help children build discernment and strengthen their identity in Christ. We also answer a listener question from an overwhelmed mom with three young kids.
- 11Understanding Adaptability in Parenting | Practice Makes ParentIn this episode of 'Practice Makes Parent,' Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of adaptability in effective parenting. They share personal anecdotes and strategies for being flexible with children. They also introduce concepts like psychological flexibility, maintaining a bigger picture mindset, continuous learning, and creating a de-stress menu.
- 12Dealing with Anger In Parenting | Practice Makes ParentAnger is common and contagious in families. How do you handle anger in parenting? Janel Breitenstein, author of "How to Stop Yelling Up the Stairs" shares her story with Danny and Rebecca. They explore how anger can reveal stress, deeper emotions, and heart issues. We'll give you some ideas to work on.
- 13Launching Into the Teen Years | Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss Launch Into the Teen Years curriculum, and Rebecca’s daughter Gemma shares how she felt as a young girl going through it. You'll hear flexible ways families use the six-session resource, and we share how to have relational, age-appropriate conversation about bodies, boundaries, identity in Christ, and peer pressure.
- 14Legacy Parenting for Dads | Practice Makes ParentIn celebration of Father's Day, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss legacy parenting, focusing on the evolving role of dads in modern culture with Pastor Jeffrey Hamilton, founder of Dad Academy. Dad, are you present? Prayerful? Purposeful? This conversation advocates for intentional and hands-on approaches to parenting.
- 15Teaching Your Kids To Read The Bible | Practice Makes ParentDo you want to help your kids internalize the Word of God? Today, we talk about the tools and techniques that can help your children with Mary Wiley, author of Discovering The Bible. She explains building a home culture of curiosity where questions are welcomed, parents can say “I don’t know,” and the Bible is seen as one redemptive story about Jesus.
- 16Principles Over Prescriptions in Parenting | Practice Makes ParentDanny and Rebecca welcome Melissa Krueger, author of “Parenting with Hope” about four parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and negligent. Is your parenting full of warmth, boundaries, curiosity, and validating teens’ experiences? We're challenging you to take a look at you family habits that may have shaped your parenting.
- 17Uncomfortable Conversations With Your Kids | Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James welcome authors Tim Shoemaker and his son Mark Shoemaker to discuss practical strategies for uncomfortable conversations with kids, especially preteens and teens, covering respect, emotions, dating, and household rules. Key do’s and don'ts are shared, and they even talk about how teen pushback can be healthy engagement that builds conscience!
- 18Your Best Mom Life | Practice Makes ParentIn recongnition of Mother's Day, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss cultural pressures that leave many moms overwhelmed, burned out, and lonely, including perfectionism and social media comparison. They talk with Jamie Erickson, the author of Overwhelmed Mom, about finding hope and purpose in motherhood.
- 19Who You Are Becoming As A Parent with Kerry Hasenbalg | Practice Makes ParentThink about the importance of spiritual and emotional transformation rather than perfection in parenting. What would it look like and where do you start? Danny and Rebecca speak with Kerry Hasenbalg about submitting to God's plan and dealing with prolonged struggles and emotional pain in parenting (and in life).
- 20The Daddy Daughter Connection | Practice Makes ParentThe conversation highlights how a father's treatment of his daughter can shape her understanding of love, worth, and identity. Danny and Rebecca speak with Pastor Freddie Prado and they address societal pressures on young girls related to appearance and popularity, which can lead to anxiety and low self-confidence.
- 21Spiritual Habits for Your Family with Pastor Chris Papao and Clayton Green | Practice Makes ParentDanny and Rebecca welcome Pastor Chris Papao and Clayton Green, authors of 'Building Spiritual Habits in the Home.' They share easy-to-implement steps parents can take to cultivate a spiritual environment in their homes. These are simple, tangible, timely, playful, and community-oriented habits that you're family will love.
- 22Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent with Lauren Whitman | Practice Makes ParentWe always say, "parenting is more about transformation than perfection." The discussion explores feelings of failure, shame, fear, and regret that many parents experience. Lauren Whitman, author and counselor, shares insights, and talks about the importance of naming deeper emotions, repairing relationships through apology, and maintaining a gospel-shaped identity to combat negative self-talk.
- 23Parenting Your Child's Heart - Practice Makes ParentDr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the challenges and philosophies of faith-based parenting. Dr. Juan and Jeanine Sanchez share insights and emphasize the importance of shepherding a child's heart, setting positive biblical instructions, and maintaining a home of repentance.
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