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.
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⏱️ 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
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