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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
