Practice Makes Parent

Hosts Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James speak with Betsy Wright and Nikki Mattison from Angel Tree Ministry about children who have absent parents. If you know any grandparent raising their grandchild -- no matter if their incarcerated or not -- make sure to send them this podcast episode! We talk about how kids mask their shame, various trauma-informed approaches, and how to rebuild relation...

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 confide...

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 Trai...

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 everyo...

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 answe...

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 assign...

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/be...

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 Ta...

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 spac...

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 y...

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...

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 preven...

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...

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...

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 Too...

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 listene...

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. Sen...

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 wi...

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 Voic...

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 de...

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...

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...

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...

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 loo...

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,...