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 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.

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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 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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