Episodes

We're getting real and discussing the importance of family culture, emphasizing November as Child Safety and Protection Month. Danny and Rebecca welcome Jessica Smartt, author of Come On Home, and her insights and experiences raising children on an intergenerational family farm. We discuss the challenges and benefits of such a setup, and the principles of grace and forgiveness. We'll go over the different parenting stages, the importance of intentional quality and quantity time with children, an...

On this special Halloween edition of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca and Danny discuss the complexities of celebrating Halloween from a Christian perspective. The conversation includes insights from Jesse Florea, editor in-chief of Clubhouse and Brio Magazine. The trio address the historical pagan roots of Halloween, its commercialism, and how Christian families can balance participation while staying true to their faith. We discuss various approaches such as using the holiday for outreach, choos...

This special 100th episode of 'Practice Makes Parent' features renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, Dr. Daniel Amen. They discuss the importance of brain health in parenting and how small daily habits can build resilience in children. Dr. Amen shares insights from his research on brain imaging and how understanding brain health can transform mental health approaches. Learn how to guard your child's mental health with this free video series Free Digital Download: Focusing On Your Fami...

This is an EPIC episode of Practice Makes Parent! Danny and Rebecca discuss the importance of resilience in children and how parents can foster it with Dr. Nicole Wilke. They focus on developing Christlike character, the benefits of challenges, and the role of parental support in children's growth. The Q&A segment addresses handling sibling rivalry, disrespect, and habitual lying, offering advice on fostering respect, grace, and joy in difficult parenting situations. Practical tips for resilienc...

On this episode, Danny and Rebecca discuss the importance of praying for teenage girls with guest Stacey Thacker. They explore the unique pressures teenage girls face today, including loneliness, anxiety, and the influence of social media. Stacey emphasizes the value of intentional prayer, family discussions, and mentorship. We'll also address a dad's email about how to discuss womanhood with his twin daughters, and the need for both parents to engage in conversations about puberty and spiritual...

Wondering how to help your kids internalize the Love of God? On this insightful episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca discuss the transformative journey of parenting with neuroscientist and theologian Dr. Andrea La Fountain, author of Loving God: A Scriptural and Psychological Guide to Fulfilling the Greatest Commandment. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, providing practical examples for different developmental stag...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss how parents can strategically address the preteen (and teen) years with Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery. We'll talk how parents can emphasize the importance of intentional relationships, understand developmental changes, and the role of service in faith formation. Faith That Sticks View the new documentary: Truth Rising Bring Your Bible To School Day Learn more about Launch Into The Teen Years We'd love...

Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss autism and family dynamics with Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a certified autism specialist. They cover a range of topics, including recognizing autism symptoms, navigating the diagnostic process, and effective therapies. Dr. Holmes shares her personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the importance of community support, early intervention, and maintaining a balanced family life. Finally, Dr. Holmes' daughter, Sydney, offers a message of hope ...

Have you ever wondered if you or your child was dyslexic? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss dyslexia and its impact on children and families. They are joined by Dr. Rebecca Sanford, an expert in educational leadership, who shares her personal and professional experiences. The conversation covers identifying signs of dyslexia and effective educational strategies. We want to emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing the strengths a...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the importance of intentional parenting and the transformative relationships between mothers and daughters. They highlight the impactful work of Relay Exchange, a program that fosters mother-daughter bonding through skill-building, biblical lessons, and service projects. One of our listeners gets advice on her 9-year-old daughter's readiness for baptism. And we'll talk about what's happening in school distri...

Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James host a live session in Virginia, focusing on the importance of prayer in transforming parenting, especially for those with teen boys. They're joined by Brooke McGlothlin, who shares her personal experiences and insights as a mother and counselor. Brooke emphasizes the essential role of prayer in raising godly men, detailing how her desperation for divine help during her sons' early years led her to a deeper spiritual journey. Praying For The Heart of Teen ...

In this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James are live from a homeschool conference in Virginia, joined by Amber O'Neill Johnson, a homeschool mom who advocates for diversity in education. Amber shares her family's journey of addressing cultural identity and promoting diversity in their homeschool curriculum. She discusses the importance of storytelling and embracing cultural differences, offering practical advice for parents to foster an inclusive and resilien...

Does name calling exist between your children? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Ginger Hubbard speak with Jim Daly and John Fuller about how teasing could become bullying, and how it may ultimately damage your children's self-esteem. Whether words come from in the home or at school, there is a line that can be crossed, and we'll discuss what parents can do and say to their children when teasing becomes hurtful. Danny and Rebecca also share a listener question about ...

Danny and Rebecca present part two of the significance of 'grace bombing' as a practice for family transformation, focusing on intentional acts of kindness, with Patrick Linnell, the founder of Grace Bomb. We'll discuss integrating grace bombing into family life to counter entitlement and instill gratitude. Patrick shares impactful stories and practical steps for engaging children of different ages in acts of kindness. The discussion emphasizes obedience, overcoming fear, and fostering joy throu...

On this special episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca are live from the Homeschool Conference in Richmond, Virginia with Patrick Linnell, founder of Grace Bomb, a movement to carry out acts of kindness motivated by Jesus. Grace Bombing replaces random acts of kindness with intentional ones that point to Jesus. He recounts personal stories, including an impactful experience with his daughter that resulted in community transformation. We also answer a listener question regarding the ...

In a live episode of Practice Makes Parent'at the Virginia Homeschool Convention, Danny and Rebecca are joined by bestselling author Lisa Jo Baker to discuss the impact of inherited traits and the process of forgiveness. Lisa Jo delves into her personal story of overcoming the anger she experienced from her father, and the transformation that comes from God's love and redemption. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing deep-seated emotions, and we take an audienc...

Are you a homeschooler, or thinking about it? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca are at the Homeschool Educators Association of Virginia talking with Christy Faith, an experienced homeschool advocate and educator. Christy shares her journey and emphasizes the importance of redefining education to include critical thinking and emotional intelligence, as well as challenging the traditional school system's focus on rote learning. The conversation covers free play, secure at...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca and Danny discuss the complexities and rewards of foster care with Jamie Finn, founder of Foster the Family and host of The Real Mom podcast. The discussion covers the emotional and logistical challenges of fostering, the importance of unity and intentionality in family decisions, and the critical role of faith and sacrificial love in parenting. Jaime shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, emphasizing the mission-oriented nature of foste...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the emotions and transitions experienced by parents and children, from the first school drop-off to adulthood. We'll talk with Erin McPherson, author of 'The Christian Mama's Guide' series of books, who offers insights on raising children through various stages, emphasizing heart goals over head goals. Erin highlights the importance of preparing kids for life's transitions, fostering character, and handling ...

On this episode of 'Practice Makes Parent,' Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of rest and the outdoors in family life with Eryn Lynum, a master naturalist who shares insights into the importance of rest, its biblical foundations, and practical ways to incorporate daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of rest into family life. Receive the book The Nature Of Rest for a gift of any amount. The 7 Traits of Effective Parenting We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homep...

In this engaging and heartfelt episode of Practice Makes Parent, Heather McFadyen, the mother of four boys, shares her journey and challenges in raising her children and her transition from feeling overwhelmed to finding a God-centered approach to parenting. Danny and Rebecca ask about the pressures of modern parenting, dealing with anger and emotional triggers, and the importance of self-care and community support. Heather emphasizes the need for vulnerability, patience, and building connection...

Is your child relationally intelligent? And how do parents go about teaching that? On this edition of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss these vital topics with renowned experts Dr. John Trent and Dr. Dewey Wilson. The conversation underscores the significance of parents modeling emotional and relational intelligence. They explore key issues such as the impact of social media, 2020's societal changes, and the consumerist messaging children receive. The Relatio...

What have you done to protect your children from pornography? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca discuss the various emotional responses children might have upon encountering pornography, such as fear, disgust, or curiosity with author Greta Eskridge. We'll give you tips to talk to children about the harmful effects of pornography to prevent feelings of shame, and discourage curiosity that might lead them back to it. We'll also give you some tools to help them reject por...

Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the prevalent issue of anxiety in children, exploring its developmental, situational, and physiological roots with licensed professional counselor, Julie Lowe. They address how modern media, social pressures, and changes in family dynamics contribute to rising anxiety levels among children. We'll also share personal anecdotes and practical advice on identifying anxiety, the importance of parental support, fostering resilience, and the efficacy of fa...