Ep.285: Conversation Starters That Build Real Connection

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 connectionThe #1 reason kids stop opening up—and how to reverse itWhy "quality time" doesn't have to mean more timeHow to create low-pressure, trust-building momentsTools like finger mazes and prompt cards that actually workThis 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 SponsorsHungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEGFam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% offK12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEGThrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.