Practice Makes Parent

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 pressure, and changes in family dynamics contribute to rising anxiety levels among children. We'll also share personal anecdotes and practical advice on id...

How can we make family devotions fun for the whole family? Join Danny and Rebecca as they sit down with author and family devotions expert Tim Shoemaker to discuss some really exciting ways you can engage your family in fun biblical learning. We underscore the essence of devotions as part of parental responsibility to pass on truth to your kids and create lasting memories. We also answer a listene...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, hosts Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James are joined by Justin Whitmel Earley to discuss his book 'Habits of the Household.' We'll talk about creating intentional family habits that foster transformation rather than perfection. Justin shares his personal experiences and strategies for integrating daily spiritual routines, like bedtime liturgies and morn...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the critical role of friendships during the pre-teen and teenage years. They explore the dynamics of mean girls and the impact of friendships on children's mental health. Guest Dannah Gresh, founder of True Girl and Pure Freedom Ministries, shares insights on tackling friendship issues, building self-worth, an...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss strategies for parents to help their children manage emotional baggage. We highlight the importance of addressing the mental health crisis affecting youth, emphasizing dealing with stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens. The conversation, featuring insights from guest Pastor Chris Sasser, focuses on understand...

Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James interview Nicole Zasowski, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her experiences with loss, grief, and finding joy through faith. They discuss practical ways to overcome negative mindsets, the importance of savoring daily moments, and celebrating intrinsic traits over achievements. The episode also includes advice on addressing sensitive topics with...

On this edition of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca talk about the importance of having support systems for blended families with Scott and Deana Thayer. You'll hear their stories as they recommend seeking objective perspectives from therapists, finding mentor couples, and participating in church support groups as you blend. We'll also answer a question from a couple who care for a special...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the importance of instilling the true meaning of Easter in children. They are joined by John Greco, author of 'The Easter Lamb,' a children's book that connects Passover to Easter. The conversation explores methods to teach children about these significant religious events amidst cultural distractions like the...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, we talk about the challenges and experiences of raising strong-willed children. Sally Burke joins Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James and discusses incidents from her child's early years, how strong-willed behavior manifested, and how these situations were handled with a mix of discipline and understanding. You'll hear the importance of prayer and using...

On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Danny and Rebecca speak with Jeannie Cunnion about the mental stress mothers face. We empower moms to leave the worry, anger, guilt, and comparison behind and have confidence in God's grace. We also answer a lister email from a mother of toddlers who feels as though she's losing her identity.   Receive the book Mom Set Free for your donation of any am...

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 Ef...

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 imperfect...

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 h...

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...

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. Late...

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...

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...

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.   Clic...

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 in...

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...

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...

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 yea...

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,...

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,...

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 li...