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

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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:

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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.
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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

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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.

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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

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🎧 As Heard on PGK

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In this insightful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Larissa May and Dr. Raghu Appasani, co-founders of Ginko—an AI-powered parenting tool designed by clinicians to help families manage screen time and support their children's mental health. As screens increasingly dominate our kids' lives, this episode offers a powerful look at how Ginko promotes digital wellness through early intervention, behavioral insight, and personalized parenting support.

Ginko is not just another screen-limiting app—it’s a clinically informed platform that helps parents understand their children's emotional state through their digital activity. Larissa and Dr. Appasani share how Ginko personalizes digital guidance, supports healthier habits, and equips families to foster stronger, emotionally connected relationships in the digital age.

Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed by tech, or a professional navigating the intersection of mental health and technology, this episode provides compassionate and data-driven solutions for raising healthy, tech-savvy kids.

Our Guests:

Larissa May: Globally recognized as the face of digital wellness, Larz has shaped policy and youth-centered advocacy.

Dr. Raghu Appasani: An Integrative & Addiction Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor at UCSF and Mount Sinai. Check out Ginko here.  

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Explore our newly launched online courses, parenting forums, and expert Q&A library—all available in our PGK Insider Community.

Start for free today and become a more confident, connected parent.

Sponsors:

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Smartphones and social media have radically transformed childhood. In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Jean Twenge explore how constant digital exposure is linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in kids and teens.

Dr. Twenge shares powerful tips from her book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World, including:

• Delay smartphone use until kids drive
• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight
• Set daily screen limits and enforce them
• Openly discuss the dangers of cyberbullying and online content

These rules help reclaim childhood from the grip of technology.

While tech is here to stay, balance is possible. Dr. Twenge emphasizes proactive parenting—being aware, staying involved, and not being afraid to set firm boundaries.

As Dr. Meeker reminds listeners, protecting kids' mental health is worth every hard conversation about screens, apps, and smartphones.

📚Resources

Work with Dr. Meg One-on-One

Struggling with parenting challenges and need personalized guidance?

Dr. Meg Meeker offers private parent coaching tailored to your family's needs.

Learn More About Dr. Jean Twenge’s Research

Stay up-to-date with Dr. Twenge’s latest studies on technology and generational psychology and check out her new book here.

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Start for free today and become a more confident, connected parent.

Sponsors:

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In this follow-up to our conversation on divorce and healing, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with therapist and integrative healer Dawn Wiggins to talk about what it really takes to recover from any kind of trauma — whether it’s divorce, loss, or years of emotional stress.

Wiggins explains how trauma shapes our nervous system, thoughts, and relationships — and how real healing happens when we reconnect body, mind, and spirit. Together, they unpack practical ways to calm the body, release old pain, and create safety from the inside out.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Trauma lives in the body — and the nervous system needs to feel safe before real healing begins.
• Being present (not perfect) helps children and loved ones feel secure.
• Recognize and release negative beliefs that keep you stuck in fear or guilt.
• Tools like EMDR, somatic therapy, and homeopathy can help integrate emotional healing.
• Healing is a full-body process — involving your brain, your breath, and your belief system.
• When you heal yourself, you break generational patterns and model resilience.

About Dawn Wiggins

Dawn Wiggins is a licensed therapist, homeopath, and integrative healer who helps people recover from trauma and life transitions. She’s the creator of A Different “D” Word, a year-long healing program, and host of the podcast Dear Divorce Diary, where she guides listeners toward emotional safety, balance, and self-trust.

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

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
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*This episode is sponsored by Dawn Wiggins. 

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Children process divorce very differently than adults do. In this episode, we explore how to recognize their pain, help them express big emotions, and avoid critical parenting mistakes post-divorce. Learn the do’s and don’ts of co-parenting, when to introduce a new partner, and why listening is your most powerful tool.

Topics Covered:

• How children's grief differs from adults'
• Emotional and cognitive responses to divorce
• The hidden pain children carry
• Navigating anger, guilt, and loyalty binds
• What not to say about your ex
• Why rushing into dating can backfire
• Encouraging open, validating conversations
• Realistic timelines for healing

💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today

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Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I 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
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

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In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to talk about parenting peace, faith-based mindset shifts, and the concept of "picky thinking." Learn how to guard your mind, model faith for your teens, and help your children battle anxiety, negative self-talk, and social media pressures. Max shares his personal stories, parenting wisdom, and biblical insights to help families thrive in truth and peace.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “picky thinking” can transform your parenting mindset
• How to identify and overcome UFOs (Untruths, False Narratives, and Overreactions)
• The impact of modeling prayer and emotional control for teens
• The vital role fathers play in shaping daughters’ self-worth
• Practical ways to take your thoughts captive for a calmer home

Resources:

Max Lucado’s book: Tame Your Thoughts

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Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

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
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

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