Episodes

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Arlene Pellicane shares practical ideas on how to manage your children's digital time. Dr. Danny Huerta also shares details on what screen time does to a child's brain and gives parents suggestions on setting boundaries. We also answer a listener email on what parents can do when their children are unruly at restaurants. Check out the 7 Traits of Effect Parenting Assessment to give you some practical ways to grow as a parent. Parents are invited to che...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Heidi Lee Anderson shares her encouragement for moms in helping them answer the big questions like, "What If I don't have what it takes?". We cover practical advice on combating parental self-doubt, comparison, and perfectionism. Additionally, Heidi discusses the importance of community, prayer, and prioritizing key aspects of life while managing imperfections. A listener's question about adult children moving out is addressed, providing insights on fost...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta dive into the seven traits of effective parenting inspired by research and biblical principles. They discuss adaptability, respect, intentionality, steadfast love, boundaries and limits, grace and forgiveness, and gratitude. Danny outlines how these traits can be implemented and how the parenting assessment tool can help parents understand their strengths and areas for growth with each child. The conversation emphas...

Do you feel like you're failing as a parent? We've all been there! On this episode, Pastor Gary Thomas, the author of Sacred Parenting, breaks down how moms and dads can work through impatience, anger, and exhaustion by understanding how our children see humility and sacrifice. We will also answer a listener question about helping rebellious teenagers learn respect and responsibility. Click here to ask for Gary Thomas' book, Sacred Parenting, for a gift of any amount. Call 1800AFAMILY for our ...

Chances are, if you're a parent, you do battle with parenting anxiety. It's natural (it's your job to keep your kids alive!), but there is a supernatural source of peace that will both settle your mind and protect your children. Join Danny & Rebecca as they talk to Alison Calhoun about her battle with anxiety after a miscarriage, and the dramatic ways the Lord has shown up through it all. Later, we answer a question from a parent who wants to know how she can address her daughter's doubts about ...

Did you know that you can use every day moments with your kids to teach them about Jesus? Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Gracia Olivas to talk about the practical ways she teaches her kids about Jesus. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to when her and her husband should tell their kids that one of them was previously married. Click here to receive Danny's book, Seven Traits of Effective Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to check out Gracia's instag...

In this special, extended edition of Practice Makes Parent... Rebecca's husband is here! You might know him from the band Foster the People, or as the director of your future favorite Netflix series, but Cubbie is also an excellent husband and father. And they just released a book called Lasting Ever! Join us this week as Danny interviews Cubbie & Rebecca about their new book, their parenting journey, and the Lord's involvement in it all. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to ...

Every day presents a new opportunity to model kindness for our kids, whether that's at the grocery store, at home, or with friends and family. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Christina Watkins to discuss the importance of kindness, and how you can model if for your kids. Later, we answer a question from a listener whose daughter recently started displaying OCD behaviors. Click here to receive Danny's book, Seven Traits of Effective Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to ...

More and more parents are choosing to homeschool their children, and if there's one thing we want to encourage you with, it's that you're capable of doing so! Join Danny & Rebecca this week as they sit down with author and mother of nine Rhonda Robinson to discuss the benefits of homeschooling. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how they can balance discipline and independence in their strong-willed child. Click here to learn the homeschooling laws in your state! Cli...

Maintaining your sanity while raising children in our modern world is a daunting challenge! Join Danny & Rebecca this week as they sit down with Dr. David Clarke to discuss a biblical strategy for dealing with the challenges of every day parenting. Later, we answer a question from a single mom who needs help with her kids. Click here to receive Dr. Clarke's book, Parenting is Hard, for a gift of any amount! Click Here to Support the Show! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leav...

Adoption is a beautiful & precious gift for everyone involved, but the new family dynamic can be challenging to navigate, especially for children already in the home. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with author Kate Rietema to discuss how you can prepare your children to receive an adopted sibling. Later, we answer a question from a listener who needs help motivating his unmotivated daughter. Click here to receive Kate's children's book, All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption, for a ...

The day-in, day-out of every day parenting requires a lot of sacrifice, and as parents, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Gary Thomas to discuss how the sacrifice of parenting shapes us into image bearers of Christ. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can develop a strong Christian foundation in her 5, 6, & 7 year olds. Click here to receive Gary's book, Sacred Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to sign ...

Are you worried that proper manners & respect are becoming a thing of the past? This week, join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Jill Garner to discuss the importance and practicality of helping your kids develop good manners. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know if her husband is being too hard on their son. Click here to check out Jill's organization, Manners of the Heart! Click here to sign up for Focus on the Family's free Age & Stage newsletter! If you're in...

Feeling worn out by the demands of parenting? Join Danny & Rebecca this week as they sit down with author Mindy Caliguire to discuss parental burnout symptoms and how you can avoid parental burnout. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know if it's okay to let her kids listen to Christian artists who have deconstructed their faith. Click here to receive Mindy's book, Ignite Your Soul, for a gift of any amount! Click here to access our free parenting assessment! Click here ...

In a world that measures success by likes, grades, looks, and popularity, it can be easy for our kids to get caught placing their identity in the wrong thing. This week, join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with Bob Smiley & Jesse Florea of "The Official Average Boy Podcast" to talk about how we can help our children see themselves through God's eyes. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can help her kids transition to a new home across the country. Click here ...

In today's cultural battleground, your kids need a strong spiritual foundation! Join Danny & Rebecca as they sit down with author Lee Ann Mancini to discuss practical ways to raise we can raise our kids to know and love Christ. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how much of his past he should share with his children. Click here to receive the book Raising Kids to Follow Christ for your donation of any amount! Click here to sign up for a free six-part video series fro...

Ever feel like screens are taking over your family's life? Join Danny & Rebecca this week as they sit down with PluggedIn's Paul Asay to learn practical tips for guiding your kids through entertainment, social media, and screen time. Later, we hear a question from a listener who wants to know how she can stop her 3-year-old from repeating inappropriate words. Click here to receive PluggedIn's guide to technology, Becoming a Screen Savvy Family, for a gift of any amount! Click here to access th...

The holiday season is here, and Danny & Rebecca are ready to help you make it meaningful! In this episode, join us as we share tips for navigating the joys and stresses of the season, from family traditions to the purpose behind it all. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how he can help his young son adjust to a newborn in the home. Click here to sign up for the Focus on the Family Advent Calendar! Click here to access 7 Days of Gratitude from Focus on the Family! C...

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. Wilg...

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 gra...

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, Disc...

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 pa...

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 S...

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...