Even When's with Grace Berios

Grace's youngest was three. Her family had just spent a month in Greece, her product line had been accepted into the Whole Foods global headquarters store, and for the first time in a decade, life felt like it was falling into place. Then came one off-brand pregnancy test, three years after a vasectomy, and a call from her OB the night before Thanksgiving: the baby had trisomy 21.In this episode, Grace walks through Chapter 4 of Raising Great, Even When… and the six weeks of grief, fear and discernment that followed. She talks honestly about the medical unknowns, the strain of making a decision as a couple, and the moment she knew they would choose life. Then she brings you to today. Teddy is in fifth grade, introduces the school choir with his AAC device, and has changed how his entire family measures success.In this episode:What it was like to be "done" and then find out you're notWhy grief is a healthy response to unexpected news, and why it's worth taking the time to feel itHow Grace and John got back on the same ground, and why that unity mattersEarly Childhood Intervention (ECI): what it is and why starting early helpsHow a fifth child with Down syndrome taught a self-described Batch Boss to live day by dayWhat to say (and what not to say) to a friend who gets a diagnosisIf you're facing your own unexpected news, Grace's next right step is simple: let yourself grieve, then reach out to one family who is a step ahead of you.A note before you listen: this episode includes an honest discussion of a prenatal diagnosis, pregnancy loss risk and a pregnancy decision. Grace is sharing her family's story and feelings, not medical advice. Every child and family is different, so please lean on your own care team.Resources:Read the full story in Chapter 4 of Raising Great, Even When…: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPNK3ZPB?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

They double-checked the car seat, handed over the discharge papers, and sent us home. Take her. She's yours. Now what?In this episode of the Even When Podcast, Grace Berios, mom of five and author of Raising Great, Even When…, walks through Chapter 3: the fourth trimester, the first twelve weeks after your baby arrives. Grace shares what five very different births taught her, why you have more agency in your birth experience than you think, and why your body isn't on a twelve-week deadline. She talks about cocooning first and building community second, and the simple rhythm that held her family together when they had no village nearby.Then she turns to the rest of us: how to show up for a new mom in a way she'll remember.In this episode:Why every birth is different, even for the same momHow to advocate for yourself and shape your birth experienceA mom-of-five hospital tip every new mom should knowGiving your body the same grace you give your babyCocoon first, then communityHow to show up for a new family (and why you shouldn't stay to hold the baby)Your one thing this week: How can you show up for a friend today?Mentioned in this episode:Grace's chicken tetrazzini recipe: (https://natashaskitchen.com/chicken-tetrazzini/#recipe)***Next week: Teddy's story. It's a big one.

A tender one this week: this episode talks about pregnancy loss. If it's close for you right now, listen whenever you're ready.Six months into marriage and 1,500 miles from family, Grace and John lost their first pregnancy at eight weeks. Grace shares what that loss taught them as a couple, why she used to avoid grieving friends, and what showing up actually looks like: a meal at the door with a bag of ice, a hug before a hike, an audio text so someone can hear your voice.Your next right step: send one audio text to someone carrying something hard.Get the free Even When Reset and Grace's monthly letter at GraceBerios.com. Go deeper in Chapter 2 of Raising Great, Even When…

The Maverick Parent: What to Hold On To and What to Let GoWhat does it mean to be a Maverick Parent? Grace shares how her family has protected dinner through every season, from residency to four teens and a Teddy. She also tells the story of the argument with John that taught her you can’t ride two horses. You’ll leave with one Maverick move to make this week.Get Grace’s monthly letter at GraceBerios.com.

What happens when life suddenly veers from the script you thought you were following?In Episode 1, Grace shares the story of getting locked outside her brand-new home in a new city—with three kids under three, a baby on the way, and a neighbor watching from his deck. That locked door became a signal that something bigger had changed.Grace introduces the idea of an “Even When”—the moments when life doesn’t go according to plan, and we have to learn how to respond with consistency, community, and grace.Because the Even Whens are coming. The question is who we become when they do.

Life is full of “Even When's” even when things don’t go as planned, even when parenting feels hard, and even when you’re not sure what’s next. Join me every Tuesday as we navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between, learning how to raise great through every season of life.

Raising Great, Even When… is available now in print, and on audio everywhere you listen. (Spotify, Apple Books, and Audible). Strong families aren't built after life settles down. They're built in the ordinary middle of the life you're already living.