Episodes

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 meeti...

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 jo...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 you...

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 Rebec...

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 i...

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 ...

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 langua...

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 pa...

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 ques...

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 commitment...

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 ...

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...

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! ...

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...

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...

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 sup...

If you're looking for simple habits to up your parenting game, this is the episode for you! Dr. Danny and Rebecca hear from parenting expert, Dr. Randy Schroeder. The discussion focuses on the importance of building strong relationships with children through small, consistent actions and positive reinforcement. Dr. Schrader highlights the 'three Rs': relationship, rules, and responsible decision-making, and introduces 'three T's': talk, touch, and time together. The conversation emphasizes the p...

If you're uncomfortable in your parenting, you're doing it right! Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the challenges and transformations in parenting, highlighting the importance of grace and faith. Cynthia Yanoff shares insights from her book 'Life is Messy, God is Good', emphasizing that messiness in parenting does not equate to failure. They explore practical strategies for accepting the mess, fostering humility, and daring to do something differently. Learn how to handle unmet exp...

Even if you don't have a teenager, the information that Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James share today can help your children of any age. Today we discuss the importance of teaching healthy communication and conflict resolution skills. We'll emphasize the current societal challenges with divisive communication and introduce their guests, Dr. Gary Chapman and psychologist Jennifer Thomas. Get ready for practical tools for teens to handle communication and conflict effectively, including the f...