When it comes to his hit daytime talk show, Dr. Phil McGraw, 67, doesn't let anyone slide on the big screen. But behind the scenes, especially when it comes to his grandchildren, the renowned psychologist turns into a total softie. Meet Avery, his eight-year-old granddaughter, and her six-year-old brother, London. They’ve got Dr. Phil wrapped around their little fingers, and he couldn’t be happier about it. “They can cook anything they want in the kitchen,” he revealed exclusively to Closer Weekly, sharing a laugh about their culinary adventures. “Avery’s specialty,” he added with a proud grin, “is Sprite-granola-cookie-bread-rose-petals-salt-and-pepper soup with jalapeños. But she doesn’t even eat it!”

From Tough TV Persona to Doting Grandpa

Don’t worry, Dr. Phil doesn’t touch that soup either—but he devours every moment he gets to spend with Avery and London. "They call him Pops," Robin McGraw, his wife of many years, told Closer. She can't help but smile as she watches her husband's eyes light up whenever the kids are around. Sometimes, out of nowhere, “he’ll say, ‘Look! I recorded this little conversation you were having with Avery,’ and it’s just adorable,” she gushed. An insider chimed in, “He can be quite sweet and sensitive, and he can be really funny. There’s definitely a tender side to the tough Dr. Phil.”

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Grandparents are parents but with more sleep, fewer rules and an endless supply of cookies!
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A post shared by Robin McGraw (@robin_mcgraw) on Feb 15, 2018 at 8:42am PST

Robin McGraw: The Heart of the Family

Robin treasures every ounce of her husband’s strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their family. “He’s the one who’s always thinking with his head,” she said, contrasting her own heart-led approach. But when it comes to Jay’s two kids, Dr. Phil shows he can be just as emotional as his wife. “Popsicles are endless, and bedtimes are optional,” he admitted, fully aware that Jay and his wife, Erica Dahm, set much stricter rules and healthier diets for the kids back home. Still, Dr. Phil and Robin take great pride in knowing they raised two responsible grown men—Jay, 38, and Jordan, 31—who carry on the values instilled in them.

Leading by Example: The Legacy of Parenting

“Jay’s a fantastic dad,” Dr. Phil shared, reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave with his grandchildren. “I always tried to lead by example, showing him the importance of investing time in your kids. For 14 years, I coached basketball with my boys, and Robin and I never missed a single game!” It’s this dedication that has shaped not only his family but also his career. “I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dad,” Jay said. “He sets the bar incredibly high, but if you pay attention, you’ll see he’s equally supportive and always has answers that make sense.”

Phil, Robin, Avery, and London.

For more on Dr. Phil and his family, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!