In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Kristina and Herbert Heagh-Avritt — long-time partners in life and parenting — to explore what it really means to raise boys through love, trauma, distance, and healing. From navigating the challenges of raising a son on the autism spectrum to experiencing the heartbreak of estrangement from their other son, Kristina and Herb open up with honesty, wisdom, and vulnerability. Together, they share what they’ve learned about communication, parenting, healthy masculinity, and why it is so important to reflect on the past in order to move forward.

Kristina & Herbert Heagh-Avritt have been together for over 33 years — partners in marriage, parenting, and now in their mission to help families thrive. Kristina spent 27 years in education, while Herbert followed a path in business and entrepreneurship. Together, they’ve raised two sons and faced both the everyday and extraordinary challenges of parenting. Today, they co-founded Vibrant Family Education and host the Bringing Education Home podcast, where they offer tools, support, and heart-centered strategies to help parents raise happy, healthy, and successful children. Their work empowers families to reconnect, communicate, and reimagine education at home for stronger relationships and communities.

*The evolution of their 33+ year journey as parents and partners

*Raising a son on the autism spectrum and learning to adapt to his needs

*The deep ache of estrangement from a child the self-reflection it brings

*How unspoken expectations and poor communication can unravel even the closest families

*The impact of Herbert’s traumatic brain injury on their marriage, parenting, and business

*Why boys today need more movement, freedom, and validation in how they learn and grow

*The collapse of all-male spaces and the consequences for boys’ development and identity

*The importance of rites of passage, male mentorship, and emotionally safe environments for boys

*What Kristina and Herbert would do differently if they could start their parenting journey again

*Encouragement for parents to keep going — to trust themselves, and to never give up on connection

📘 Kathy’s book: Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men

Vibrant Family Education Site

vibrantfamilyeducation.com

Bringing Education Home Pod

bringingeducationhome.com

Facebook

facebook.com/kristina.heaghavritt

Instagram