Podcast · Kids & Family

Practice Makes Parent

by Focus on the Family · English · Kids & 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 th

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 39 min

Learning To Be Limitless with Nick Vujicic

If you've ever felt that you "can't" or that the obstacles in your life are too insurmountable, you've GOT to listen to Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James' conversation with Nick Vujicic! This will encourage you and your children to understand that there's purpose, no matter the pain and setbacks we may encounter. This is an inspiring podcast that will challenge your faith and give you confidence that you can have a life without limits. Share this with your friends and family! Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life Love Without Limits

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E152 · 30 Sep 2026 · 31 min
The Parenting Research Roundup
Do you have a favorite child? Probably! Are you a dolphin, elephant, or free-range parent? Do you know? Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James go through some recent research that explain, personality types, conscious and unconscious choices in your parenting. If you question your parenting, or if you're anxious about doing the right or wrong things, you'll learn a lot through this episode. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Want To Know Your Parenting Style? Parenting Tools Library Join the Focus on the Family Parenting Facebook Group Take Our Parenting Assessment Reach Out To Our Team of…
E151 · 23 Sep 2026 · 31 min
The ADHD Family (Part 2 of 2)
We're continuing our conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of You, Me & Our ADHD Family, focusing on family communication. She highlights emotional regulation as a key ADHD-related challenges, using a “pool” metaphor for big emotions and encouraging families to develop preplanned self-regulation toolkits. We distinguish defiance from ADHD by responding to patterns once everyone is calm. We address self-medicating and we also take a listener question about using diet and nutrition to help with ADHD symptoms. If you or someone in your family has ADHD, let us know what you…
E150 · 16 Sep 2026 · 34 min
The ADHD Family (Part 1 of 2)
Danny and Rebecca discuss ADHD with Dr. Tamara Rosier, founder of the ADD Center of West Michigan and author of "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family." If you or your children are having difficulty directing attention, Dr. Rosier has helpful advice that describes ADHD parenting as a “goat rodeo” and offers a “monkeys” naming technique to separate people from symptoms. We also answer a listener's question about too many extra curricular activities. You, Me, and Your ADHD Family Call Our Counseling Line at 1800-A FAMILY Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music…
E149 · 9 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Bringing God's Word To Public Schools
Dr. 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, using faith in assignments, and meeting for Bible studies with equal access rules. We also answer a listener's question about taking her kids out of public school. Backpack Faith: Helping Your Child Live Confidently for…
E148 · 2 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious ( Part 2 of 2)
Danny and Rebecca continue their conversation with Dave Boden about raising Gen Alpha (born 2010–2024) in an AI-shaped world. He describes risks of AI chatbots giving unsafe advice and reducing real-life relationships, and he outlines big data’s influence. Practical guidance includes parents learning AI realities, modeling healthy tech habits, answering teens’ identity/purpose/belonging questions through faith, family, and church, and prioritizing in-person rhythms. They also highlight SMART tech benefits and discuss balancing tech limits in homeschooling. Raising Gen Alpha…
E147 · 26 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious (Part 1 of 2)
Are 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. Raising Gen Alpha Take Our FREE Parenting Assessment List Of Words Gen Alpha Says Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by…
E146 · 19 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Christian Worldview At Home & At School ( Part 2 of 2)
Dr. 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. Practical take-a-ways include encouraging a safe space for questions about God, serving others, and meaningful liturgies like prayer and blessings. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World Equipping Parents for…
E142 · 12 Aug 2026 · 28 min
Christian Worldview At Home & At School (Part 1 of 2)
How can you bolster your child's Christian worldview? Danny 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. We also tackle how to address “woke” and LGBT ideologies through our Q & A. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World…
E141 · 5 Aug 2026 · 31 min
Equipping Parents For Back To School
Dr. 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. We even discuss how to approach teachers, school administrations, and even school boards when a line has been crossed. Make sure you share this episode with all of the parents you're meeting at your child's school, and download the Equipping Parents for Back to School 2026 resource,…
E140 · 29 Jul 2026 · 43 min
Helping Moms Understand God's Truth with Erica Ligenza Gwynn
Have 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. They explore lies such as “I’m stuck,” “I messed it all up”, and “I’ll be happy when...”. We're emphasizing joy, gratitude, and contentment.…
E139 · 22 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Q & A Session
It'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. Have you sent your questions in? Just click on the show notes and you can be a part of our next Q & A Show. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Check Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool! Here's Some Support…
E138 · 15 Jul 2026 · 38 min
Teaching Children Values
Rebecca 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! The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family Bring Your Bible To School Day Sign Up! God Bless Our Country Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music…
E137 · 8 Jul 2026 · 41 min
Fun Ways to Teach Theology
What 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. Meet Atom & Iota Check Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool! Simple Ways To Start Family Devotions Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great…
E136 · 1 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Understanding Adaptability in Parenting
In 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. We also help a listener with her question on when to start disciplining a child. They conclude with the '7, 7, 7 Parenting Technique' for fostering stronger family bonds through focused attention. Pass this link on to…
E135 · 24 Jun 2026 · 54 min
Dealing with Anger In Parenting
Anger 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. We also answer a listener question on whether outsiders should confront disrespectful teens. Send us your thoughts, too! How To Stop Yelling Up The Stairs Built For Resilience Check Out Our Age & Stage Resources Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring…
E134 · 17 Jun 2026 · 49 min
Launching Into the Teen Years
Dr. 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, peer pressure, and God’s design for sex within marriage with kids. We also take a listener question about what to do when your kids walk in on you and your spouse having sex. Launch Into The Teen Years Who Gets A Vote? Conversation Starter…
11 Jun 2026 · 9 min
Legacy of Courage
This is a special bonus feature to let you know about our Legacy of Courage podcast series celebrating the role of fatherhood. Special guests include retired New England Patriot football player Benjamin Watson, Pastor Carey Casey, Jay & Laura Laffoon, Joni Ereckson Tada, Dr. Meg Meeker, and many others. Check out the Legacy of Courage Podcast series! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
E133 · 10 Jun 2026 · 44 min
Legacy Parenting for Dads
In 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. Then, we address a listener's concern about her husband needing decompression time after work, suggesting strategies for balancing work and family life. The episode is filled with practical advice for fathers and mothers alike, aimed at improving parenting skills…
E132 · 3 Jun 2026 · 49 min
Teaching Your Kids To Read The Bible
Do 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. You'll learn four fun study steps and hear advice for handling difficult passages in an age-appropriate way. We also answer a listener's question on preparing kids for secular school by role-playing responses, emphasizing…
E131 · 26 May 2026 · 50 min
Principles Over Prescriptions in Parenting
This is a longer episode, but it's WORTH IT! Danny 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. We also have a listener Q&A that addresses disciplining a disrespectful 7-year-old by teaching better language, requiring repair and apology, and probing underlying needs and…
E130 · 20 May 2026 · 53 min
Uncomfortable Conversations With Your Kids
Dr. 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! We'll also answer a listener question about a 6-year-old who obeys only with threats. This is a great episode for parents with children of any age. Make sure you share it with your friends. What to Say and…
E129 · 13 May 2026 · 43 min
Q & A Session
Danny and Rebecca welcome your questions on this episode of Practice Makes Parent. We'll talk about everything fro naming a child’s guardian; deaking with a 12-year-old refusing an annual trip; a rebellious 16-year-old seeking an ungodly tattoo by prioritizing connection; and a 4-year-old hitting; plus several other parents' questions. They also share a family game (reverse charades). We look forward to getting your questions for our next Q & A episode. Click the show notes and send us your questions! 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast…
E128 · 6 May 2026 · 43 min
Your Best Mom Life
In recognition 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. Jamie emphasizes “one another” support in the church, embracing hidden, mundane tasks as God-seen work, and setting boundaries through a personal vision statement to filter commitments. Practical tips include creating a “10-minute power task list,” reducing…
30 Apr 2026 · 15 min
Legacy of Love Mother's Day Sneak Peak
This special edition encourages moms on their journey of motherhood, and it's hosted by Whitney Lowe and Erin Smalley. We're covering why becoming a mom is a gift, finding your identity in Christ, hope for tired moms, and ways to celebrate Mother's Day! Praying The Scriptures For Your Children: Discover How To Pray God's Purpose For Their Lives Take the Mom Appreciation Social Media Challenge Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.
E127 · 29 Apr 2026 · 49 min
Who You Are Becoming As A Parent
Think 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). At the end of this show, you'll understand how to surrender broken pieces to God, and the impact of spiritual practices such as asking, remembering, and trusting. We also take a question from a listener on how to handle situations when one spouse is not spiritually leading. The Way…
E126 · 22 Apr 2026 · 44 min
The Daddy Daughter Connection
The 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. This is practical advice on connecting with daughters through intentionality, play, and spiritual guidance. Mom - send the link to this program to every man in your daughter's life! Daughters of The King Subscribe to Brio Magazine for Teen Girls Check out Clubhouse Magazine Launch…
E125 · 15 Apr 2026 · 53 min
Spiritual Habits for Your Family
Do you want your family to do more "spiritual" things? This is the show for you! Danny 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. We also answer a listener's question on dealing with a teenager's rebellion against the faith, offering advice on curiosity, consistent engagement, and the importance of prayer. Building…
E124 · 8 Apr 2026 · 46 min
Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent
We 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. We also take a listener question about parental overwhelm and reactive behavior, offering compassionate guidance to a struggling mother. When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress…
E123 · 1 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Parenting Your Child's Heart
Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the challenges and philosophies of faith-based parenting. Dr. Juan and Janine Sanchez share insights and emphasize the importance of shepherding a child's heart, setting positive biblical instructions, and maintaining a home of repentance. The Sanchez's advise on dealing with discipline, boundary setting, and building strong relationships with children of all ages. They also highlight the necessity of prayer, Godly examples, and church community support. We also answer a question about boundary setting with children in a loving but authoritative…

About Practice Makes Parent

Practice Makes Parent is a English kids & family podcast from Focus on the Family. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Focus on the Family
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1718491944

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English kids & family

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.