Practice Makes Parent

Episodes

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  Teaching Kids to Talk To God 11.11.2026 35m

  How have you taught your kids to pray? We have a new approach for you today. Danny and Rebecca talk with Dr. Scott James, a pediatrician and author of the children’s book Deep Breath, Little Whisper. We're emphasizing prayer as accessible, relational, and possible anytime, not only at set routines. We also answer a listener question about teaching manners by linking them to love, respect, and growing in maturity. Deep Breath, Little Whisper Deep Breath, Little Whisper Activity Kit & Prayer Guide Check Out Our Parenting Page! Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music! Speak To A Counselor
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  Communicating to Kids with Confidence & Joy 04.11.2026 43m

  Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta talk with Connie Albers, author of Parenting Beyondthe Rules and mother of five grown children, about hearing what kids are really saying. When achild walks in and answers "fine," there is usually something underneath, and in a Gallup surveyone in six parents said they struggle to comfort or communicate with their children. Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy, by Connie Albers Find out in about two minutes which kind of parent you are with the free parenting styles quizTake the free 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment, the framework Danny returns to onevery episodeSend Danny and Rebecca your parenting question by voicemail on the Practice Makes Parentpodcast pageSpeak with a Christian counselor at Focus on the Family:  
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  Unsure, Overwhelmed & Alone Moms 28.10.2026 34m

  Are you questioning your abilities as a mom? Rebecca and Danny talk with a panel of moms about their pressures, guilt, burnout, and comparison. You can redefine your "success" as a mom through Help Club for Moms! We also answer a listener question that advises balancing a child’s bold faith-sharing with emotional awareness and respectful family conversations. Help Club For Moms: Inspiration and Practical Help for You, Your Home, and Your Family Connect with Help Club For Moms Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Speak To A Counselor
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  Solid Parenting Tips 21.10.2026 35m

  Dr. Danny and Rebecca speak with Pastor Jonathan Brozozog and his wife Joanne of Creative Church, and parents of eight. Your famiy is a team with Jesus as head coach. Here are practical ideas for communication—creating safe, phone-free rhythms, one-on-one time, listening, and using conversation. We'll also answer a listener’s question about spiritually leading teen daughters. Send this to someone you know! The Home Team: Winning Begins At Home Brio Magazine Launch Into The Teen Years For Parents Only Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Speak To A Counselor
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  When Parents Are Incarcerated 14.10.2026 32m

  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 relationships. In the Q&A, theres advice for a grandmother raising teens to keep praying, encourage consistent communication, prioritize emotional safety, and seek counseling resources. Contact Prison Fellowship and Learn More About Angel Tree Call Our Counseling Line at 1800-A FAMILY Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music! Speak To A Counselor  
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  Learning To Be Limitless with Nick Vujicic 07.10.2026 38m

  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 confidence that you can have a life without limits. Share this with your friends and family! Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life Love Without Limits
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  The Parenting Research Roundup 30.09.2026 30m

  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 Traits of Effective Parenting Want To Know Your Parenting Style? Parenting Tools Library Join the Focus on the Family Parenting Facebook Group Take Our Parenting Assessment Reach Out To Our Team of Christian Counselors
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  The ADHD Family (Part 2 of 2) 23.09.2026 31m

  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 everyone is calm. We address self-medicating and we also take a listener question about using diet and nutrition to help with ADHD symptoms. If you or someone in your family has ADHD, let us know what you think of this program!You, Me, and Your ADHD FamilyAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!Speak To A Counselor
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  The ADHD Family (Part 1 of 2) 16.09.2026 33m

  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 answer a listener's question about too many extra curricular activities.You, Me, and Your ADHD FamilyCall Our Counseling Line at 1800-A FAMILYAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!Speak To A Counselor
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  Bringing God's Word To Public Schools 09.09.2026 34m

  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 assignments, and meeting for Bible studies with equal access rules. We also answer a listener's question about taking her kids out of public school.Backpack Faith: Helping Your Child Live Confidently for Jesus in Public SchoolBring Your Bible To School DayGet Your Free Download of Important Decisions That Affect Your ChildABCDEF Sheet For ParentsAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailAlliance Defending FreedomSpeak To A Counselor
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  Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious ( Part 2 of 2) 02.09.2026 36m

  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/belonging questions through faith, family, and church, and prioritizing in-person rhythms. They also highlight SMART tech benefits and discuss balancing tech limits in homeschooling.Raising Gen AlphaTake Our FREE Parenting AssessmentList Of Words Gen Alpha SaysAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!Speak To A Counselor
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  Raising Gen Alpha/Gen Anxious (Part 1 of 2) 26.08.2026 32m

  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 AlphaTake Our FREE Parenting AssessmentList Of Words Gen Alpha SaysAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!Speak To A Counselor
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  Christian Worldview At Home & At School ( Part 2 of 2) 19.08.2026 25m

  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 space for questions about God, serving others, and meaningful liturgies like prayer and blessings.A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's WorldEquipping Parents for Back To School DownloadA Student's Guide To CultureBuilt For Resilience WebinarAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailParenting Style QuizSpeak To A Counselor
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  Christian Worldview At Home & At School (Part 1 of 2) 12.08.2026 27m

  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 your parenting boundaries. We also tackle how to address “woke” and LGBT ideologies through our Q & A.A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's WorldEquipping Parents for Back To School DownloadHow The Colson Center Can Help Parents Respond To WokenessTruth Rising Documentary: Chloe Cole StoryAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailTransgender ResourcesSpeak To A Counselor
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  Equipping Parents For Back To School 05.08.2026 30m

  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 meeting at your child's school, and download the Equipping Parents for Back to School 2026 resource, too!7 Traits of Effective ParentingCheck Out The Daily CitizenGet Your Free Download of Equipping Parents For Back To School 2026Bring Your Bible To School Day InformationAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailHelping Children Through An Identity CrisisSpeak To A Counselor
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  Helping Moms Understand God's Truth with Erica Ligenza Gwynn 29.07.2026 42m

  Have you ever asked yourself if what you believe is REALLY true? Or is it something thatculture has influenced in your day-to-day life? Danny and Rebecca welcome Erica LigenzaGwynn to discuss her book, That’s Just Not True. Erica shares how motherhood exposedhalf-truths like “I can do anything,” and discusses trusting God through problems rather thandoing 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 joy, gratitude, and contentment. In the Q&A,we advise a listener worried about generational patterns of children outside marriage. Thisprogram encourages prayer, community, and honest future conversations. Get Your Copy of "That's Just Not True" for a donation of any amount. Have you seen our Parenting Assessment Tool? Get a "GratiKube" for your family! Help your child Launch Into the Teen Years. Leave a Comment or Ask Your Question HERE Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. Speak with one of our counselors  
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  Q & A Session 22.07.2026 36m

  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 Show.7 Traits of Effective ParentingCheck Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool!Here's Some Support For Single ParentsHere Are Tips About SpankingAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailHere's a Helpful Article Regarding Self-HarmSpeak To A Counselor
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  Teaching Children Values 15.07.2026 38m

  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 FamilyBring Your Bible To School Day Sign Up!God Bless Our CountryAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!
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  Fun Ways to Teach Theology 08.07.2026 40m

  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 & IotaCheck Out Our Parenting Assessment Tool!Simple Ways To Start Family DevotionsAsk Us Your Question via Voicemail or EmailEnjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!
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  Understanding Adaptability in Parenting 01.07.2026 35m

  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 Technique' for fostering stronger family bonds through focused attention. Pass this link on to your friends and family!   7 Traits of Effective Parenting   Take the FREE Parenting Assessment   Sign up for the FREE Age & Stage Resources   Questions To Support Adaptability In Parenting   Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email   Enjoying music as a family can bring everyone closer. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and expose your kids to great worship music!   Support the show!   If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.