Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

What happens when every instinct tells you something is wrong, but no one can find answers?
In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Christina Bernardo, Cuban-American mother of five and co-founder of Avocado Health, to discuss parenting through uncertainty, navigating unimaginable grief, and learning to trust your instincts.
Christina shares the story of her daughter, Aviva, whose health struggles began at just nine days old. Despite six unexplained hospitalizations, extensive testing, and consultations with specialists, doctors were never able to determine why Aviva experienced recurring episodes of lethargy, low body temperature, slow heart rate, and breathing difficulties. At just 10½ months old, Aviva passed away when her heart suddenly stopped.
Christina opens up about the guilt, questions, and heartbreak that followed, as well as the unique challenges of grieving during the COVID pandemic. She discusses how writing became a lifeline in processing not only the loss of Aviva, but other layers of grief connected to family relationships and past experiences.
The conversation also explores how friends and family can better support those who are grieving, the importance of self-compassion, and how Christina transformed her pain into purpose by helping launch Avocado Health. Designed to empower parents, Avocado Health combines clinician-vetted AI guidance with access to parent coaches, workshops, and trusted resources to help families advocate confidently for their children.
If you've ever questioned your instincts as a parent, struggled through loss, or wondered how to support someone who is grieving, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement.

In This Episode
Christina's experience with postpartum anxiety
Aviva's first medical emergency and six unexplained hospitalizations
The grief, guilt, and "what ifs" that follow child loss
Processing grief through writing and creative expression
How friends can show up for grieving families
Learning self-compassion after tragedy
The story behind Avocado Health
How AI can support parents without replacing medical professionals
Why trusting your gut matters as a parent
Finding purpose after profound loss

Connect with Avocado Health
Learn more about Avocado Health and its parent-support resources at https://avocadohealth.com.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 Tragic Cold Open
00:15 Meet Christina Bernardo
01:26 Postpartum Anxiety Reality
03:25 Aviva's First Scare
06:09 Six Hospitalizations
09:46 Aftermath and Guilt
14:13 Writing Through Grief
17:55 How Friends Can Help
19:33 Show Up For Grief
21:04 Turning Pain Into Purpose
23:14 Self Critic To Self Kindness
25:02 Parent Coach In Pocket
26:13 How The AI Works
27:51 Origin Story And Pivot
30:04 Human Coaches And Workshops
31:56 Why Avocado Health
32:18 Trust Your Gut
36:06 How To Join And Connect
37:00 Final Takeaways
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s rapidly changing world, family values and parenting strategies are constantly being challenged—especially when adult children return home with new beliefs and perspectives. If your home feels out of sync, it may not be a lack of love—it may be a lack of clarity.
This episode introduces a powerful concept: creating a family code of conduct that aligns your values, strengthens communication, and provides a clear path forward.

A family code of conduct is a practical framework that:
Defines your family’s core values
Establishes clear expectations
Guides behavior and decision-making
Creates consistency during seasons of change
Without it, even strong values can become diluted or misunderstood.

Learn more about Bill High and Legacy Stone:
https://legacystone.com

👉 Get coaching support here:
https://meekerparenting.com
Take the next step toward a more peaceful, connected, and aligned family.

Sponsors:
Cozyla brings your family’s schedules, tasks, meal planning, and routines into one easy-to-use hub—get $30 off your first order with code DRMEG at https://cozyla.com.
Laundry Sauce – Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order at LaundrySauce.com with code DRMEG
Thrive Causemetics – Luxury beauty that gives back. Get 20% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG and support products that empower women while helping communities thrive.
IXL – Help your child build confidence and master essential skills in math, reading, science, and more. Visit IXL.com/DRMEG to get an exclusive 20% off an IXL membership today.
Get 25% off at boogiebuster.com plus an ADDITIONAL 20% OFF with code DRMEG — that’s 45% OFF your Boogie Buster today!
KT by Knix period underwear helps teen girls feel confident and leak-free through every part of their cycle—learn more at knixteen.com and use code DRMEG for 15% off.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Jessica Robertson about the family values behind Duck Dynasty, the role of faith in shaping their home, and the challenge of raising grounded children in a culture obsessed with fame, screens, and constant noise. Jessica shares how her family protected their marriages, children, and routines during the height of public attention, and why authenticity, forgiveness, and prayer resonated so deeply with viewers.
They also dive into adoption, identity, and Jessica’s heart behind her children’s book Dear Valor. Drawing from her experience raising Gus, her Black son adopted into their white family, Jessica explains why honest conversations about identity matter, how adoption reflects biblical truth, and why intentional parenting is essential in every season. This conversation is filled with wisdom on faith, family values, adoption identity, homeschooling, and raising grounded kids with confidence and love.

Episode Highlights:
Why Duck Dynasty connected with so many families
Jessica explains how the show’s emphasis on prayer, faith, forgiveness, and family made people feel seen and encouraged.
How the Robertsons protected their kids from fame
She shares the boundaries they set around filming, routines, social media, and keeping family life as normal as possible.
Adoption, identity, and honest family conversations
Jessica opens up about raising Gus, talking about race and belonging, and why adoption should be discussed with truth, compassion, and intention.
Parenting with presence in a distracted world
The conversation explores schooling choices, technology boundaries, support systems, and why kids need parents who stay engaged.
Encouragement for overwhelmed parents
Jessica offers practical reassurance for moms and dads trying to build strong families without doing everything perfectly.

About Jessica Robertson:
Jessica Robertson believes children thrive when parents lead with consistency, faith, and presence. Whether navigating fame, adoption, technology, or school decisions, her message is clear: grounded kids are shaped by grounded families. Parents do not need celebrity platforms to build strong homes, but they do need intentionality, courage, and a willingness to protect what matters most.
Buy her latest book, Dear Valor here.
Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link through Amazon, which means we may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase. We only recommend resources we genuinely trust and believe in.

Sponsors
Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
Bring calm to the chaos—get $30 off the Cozyla Calendar+ 2 at cozyla.com with code DRMEG and simplify your family’s life today.
Laundry Sauce – Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order at LaundrySauce.com with code DRMEG
Thrive Causemetics – Luxury beauty that gives back. Get 20% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG and support products that empower women while helping communities thrive.
IXL – Help your child build confidence and master essential skills in math, reading, science, and more. Visit IXL.com/DRMEG to get an exclusive 20% off an IXL membership today.
Get 25% off at boogiebuster.com plus an ADDITIONAL 20% OFF with code DRMEG — that’s 45% OFF your Boogie Buster today!

🎉 Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids.
Join today at meekerparenting.com/community

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to a healthier family dynamic has already been read by 20 million people—but you haven't applied it at home yet?
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the international mega-bestseller The 5 Love Languages, about how his globally recognized framework can transform parenting.
Dr. Chapman introduces his newest book, The Love Language That Matters Most, offering a sharper, family-focused lens on expressing love in ways that resonate deeply with children and teens. From navigating teenage disconnection to fostering emotional safety, this episode uncovers practical strategies rooted in empathy, intentionality, and personalized communication.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does my child really feel loved by me?” — this conversation is your wake-up call.

Our Guest
Dr. Gary Chapman is a renowned counselor, pastor, and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 50 languages. With decades of experience in marriage and family counseling, Dr. Chapman has helped millions better understand how to give and receive love in meaningful ways. His work continues to shape how families, couples, and parents build stronger emotional bonds.

Check Out Our Amazon Storefront
Want to explore more resources from Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Meg Meeker?
📦 Visit our curated Amazon storefront for books and tools featured in this episode:
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

🤝 Sponsors
Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
Bring calm to the chaos—get $30 off the Cozyla Calendar+ 2 at cozyla.com with code drmeg and simplify your family’s life today.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter: https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Christmas episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker invites parents to slow down and reflect on the deeper meaning of Emmanuel—God with us—during seasons when parenting feels uncertain, overwhelming, or out of control.
Through reflections on Christmas traditions, gingerbread houses, and the sacred rhythms that shape family life, Dr. Meeker explores how simple rituals create belonging and emotional safety for children. These traditions are not about perfection—they’re about presence.
Dr. Meeker also shares deeply personal experiences, including a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where she came face-to-face with the limits of control and the ache parents feel when they can’t fix what’s in front of them. She parallels these moments with Mary’s story as the mother of Jesus—reminding parents that fear, uncertainty, and surrender have always been part of the parenting journey.
This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder: uncertainty does not mean abandonment. Even when answers are unclear, Emmanuel is present—offering comfort, hope, and steadiness to parents and children alike.

🎄 A Simple Holiday Note
If you’re still looking for a meaningful last-minute gift, the Ask Dr. Meg Community is open.
You can try it free, or gift an annual membership with 10% off using code Holiday2025—a gift that supports families well beyond Christmas.
🤝 Sponsors
Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG

🎧 As Heard on PGK
Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.
https://amzn.to/46IsRjD
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:
https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.