Do your kids shut down when you try to talk? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by licensed therapist Beliza Perez, the creator of FAM Gabs, for a sponsored conversation on how to build emotional closeness through simple, intentional questions.

You’ll learn why some kids stop sharing, how to avoid parent-child communication traps, and what to do instead. Beliza shares therapy-based tools—including non-verbal techniques and calming rituals—that help parents raise emotionally safe and connected kids.

In This Episode:

Conversation hacks that unlock emotional connection
The #1 reason kids stop opening up—and how to reverse it
Why "quality time" doesn't have to mean more time
How to create low-pressure, trust-building moments
Tools like finger mazes and prompt cards that actually work

This episode includes a sponsored segment in collaboration with FAM Gabs.

🎉 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

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids

00:31 – What kids are stressed about (but not saying)

01:10 – Meet Beliza Perez, therapist and creator of FAM Gabs

01:35 – How FAM Gabs helps spark real conversations

02:56 – Top conversation starters that work

03:51 – Parental reactions: Hesitation and surprise

05:24 – Creating safety through open-ended questions

07:01 – The therapy roots of FAM Gabs

09:10 – Using tools like FAM Gabs in real-life families

15:06 – Common issues in child and teen therapy

16:32 – Navigating personality differences in families

16:45 – Why communication is key to healing

18:26 – The creative journey behind the questions

18:58 – How to ask questions that build trust

20:37 – What nonverbal cues reveal about your child

22:27 – Why short, mindful moments matter more

24:28 – What’s next for FAM Gabs

27:33 – Using finger mazes for anxiety relief

28:57 – Where to get FAM Gabs

29:26 – Final takeaways from Dr. Meg and Beliza

Beliza Perez is a licensed therapist and the founder of FAM Gabs, a family conversation card deck that empowers parents to build stronger emotional bonds with their kids. Her clinical work and creative tools center on healing through connection.

Resources & Links:

Get your own FAM Gabs → https://www.famgabs.com

Work with Dr. Meg → https://meekerparenting.com

Our Sponsors

Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG
Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG
Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG

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Ep.285: Conversation Starters That Build...