Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship Advice for Kids (K-8)

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author, psychologist, focusing on children's feelings, children's friendships, parenting, mental health.
  • 4.7 (90)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is a weekly, 5-min. podcast for children about making and keeping friends. Each episode features an audio recording of a question about friendship from a kid (gr. K-8) plus a practical and thought-provoking answer from Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, (aka Dr. Friendtastic,) an author and clinical psychologist based in Princeton, NJ. For transcripts and discussion questions: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast. To submit a question: https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit. For parent resources: https://EileenKennedyMoore.com drfriendtastic.substack.com

  1. How to Have a Conversation - for Kids

    22H AGO

    How to Have a Conversation - for Kids

    REPLAY of Ep. 126 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Talking and Listening with Friends | Friendship advice for kids No one is born knowing how to have a good conversation! In this episode, I share five practical tips to help kids chat more comfortably with others. 🎁 My gift to you — 3 free mini-guides for parents: https://eileenkennedymoore.com/free-mini-guides/ Online workshops for kids: workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. 🎙️ Would YOUR KID like to be on the podcast? Submit a question at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Not psychotherapy or for emergencies.) Easy-to-read transcript: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books: https://EileenKennedyMoore.com Never miss an episode! https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Why do you think kids sometimes feel nervous about talking with other people? (Hint: What might they be afraid of?) - Who do you enjoy chatting with? Why? (Hint: What do they do that makes your conversation enjoyable?) - How could you answer the question “How are you?” using the “Great!”-plus-one-fact formula? (Reminder: The “one fact” should create a picture in the listener's mind.) Why might this be a useful formula for conversations? - Dr. Friendtastic says, “focus on being interested more than interesting.” What does that mean? Why might it be a helpful approach to conversations? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 72 - Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8)  https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep72-nora-age-8-making-friends-new-schl  Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)  https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals  Ep. 92 - What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason, Age 13)  https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep92-mason-age-13-what-to-say-when-a-friend-feels-down Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  2. Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9) | 141

    MAR 28

    Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9) | 141

    Ep. 141 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being friendly vs. being friends | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What is the difference between being friendly and being friends? - Why is it generally a good idea to be friendly with people even if they are not your friends? - What are some reasons why two kids might not want to be friends with each other? - Dr. Friendtastic said, “Friendship is not all-or-nothing.” What does that mean? (Hint: What are some different kinds of friends you have?) *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 133 - Can he be friends with people who don’t like him? (John, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep133-can-he-be-friends-with-people-who-dont-like-him-john-8 Ep. 129 - Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep129-kindest-way-to-break-up-with-a-friend-audrey-age-9 Ep. 122 - Excluded because he’s a boy (Calvin, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep122-excluded-because-hes-a-boy-calvin Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  3. Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9) | 140

    MAR 21

    Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9) | 140

    Ep. 140 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: When a friend tries to seem better than she is | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What are three truths and a lie about you? (Also explain which statement is not true and why.) - Would you like to have a Flemish Giant rabbit for a pet? Why or why not? (Look up a picture of them if you’re not sure.) - What are some reasons why kids might lie? Why does Dr. Friendtastic think Martha’s friend might be lying? - How might lying to impress friends backfire? (Hint: How will friends feel if they find out they’ve been tricked?) - When someone says something that’s not true, how can you tell if they’re lying, playing, or just mistaken? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 53 - How to stay calm when someone is bragging (Lillian, Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lillian-age-11-how-to-stay-calm-when Ep. 20 - Lying friend (Anna, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-20-anna Ep. 115 - Her lies hurt her friendship (Sofia, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep115-her-lies-hurt-her-friendships-sofia-age8 Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  4. Friend copies her (Jemma, Age 12) | 139

    MAR 14

    Friend copies her (Jemma, Age 12) | 139

    Ep. 139 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Copycat friend | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What are some reasons why a kid might copy another kid? - Why do you think kids often feel annoyed when someone copies them? - What’s the difference between copying someone versus being inspired by someone? - How is copying someone’s outfit or favorite sports team different from copying someone’s art or writing? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 18 - Building great leadership skills (Kai, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kai Ep. 31: When someone tries to be annoying (Mila, age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep31-mila Ep. 30 - Why do some kids push others around? (Michael, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-30-michael Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    7 min
  5. When “joking” is mean, not funny (Seb, Age 11)

    MAR 7

    When “joking” is mean, not funny (Seb, Age 11)

    Ep. 138 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to respond to mean comments from friends or others | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Think of a time that another kid said something that hurt or upset you. What happened? How did you handle it? - What are some reasons someone might say something that hurts your feelings without trying to be mean? Why is it important to assume a friend has good intentions? - Why should your approach to unfunny joking be different depending on whether or not the joker is a friend? (Hint: Why should you only share your feelings with people who care about you?) - How can telling a friend how you’re feeling improve your friendship? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 136 - How long should you keep a friend? (Matthew, Age 7) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/how-long-should-you-keep-a-friend Ep. 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11 Ep. 106 - Friend acts different when others aren’t around (Charlotte, Age 7) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep106-friend-acts-different-when-others-arent-around-charlotte Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  6. Best friend won’t let her have other friends (Antonella, Age 10)

    FEB 28

    Best friend won’t let her have other friends (Antonella, Age 10)

    Ep. 137 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Anchor friends | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Have you ever had a best friend? How is a close or best friend different from other friends? - Why do you think someone might not want their friend to have other friends? How might that affect the friendship? - Why is it a good idea to have more than one friend? - What are some ways you’ve tried to make new friends? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 13 (re-release) - How to deal with an octopus friend (Mara, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep13-rerelease-how-to-deal-with-an-octopus-friend-mara-age9 Ep. 129 - Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep129-kindest-way-to-break-up-with-a-friend-audrey-age-9 Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  7. How long should you keep a friend? (Matthew, Age 7)

    FEB 21

    How long should you keep a friend? (Matthew, Age 7)

    Ep. 136 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Helping friendships last | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Do you have a stuffed animal that you’ve loved for a long time? What’s its name? What does it look like? What makes this stuffed animal special to you? - How long is the longest friendship you’ve had? How did you meet that friend? What do you do to stay connected to that friendship? - What is your favorite thing to do with friends? Why? - What are some ways to show friends that they matter to you? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 133 - Can he be friends with people who don’t like him? (John, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep133-can-he-be-friends-with-people-who-dont-like-him-john-8 Ep. 129 - Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep129-kindest-way-to-break-up-with-a-friend-audrey-age-9 Ep. 127 - Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep127-friend-wants-space-sloane-age-6 Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  8. How to make a new friend (Aida, Age 9)

    FEB 14

    How to make a new friend (Aida, Age 9)

    Ep. 135 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Starting a friendship | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Think of a friend you know. How did your friendship begin? - If you want to make a new friend, why is it important to choose to reach out to someone who is a good candidate for friendship? What makes someone seem like a good friendship possibility? - What are some ways that you have shown friends (or potential friends) that you like them? - Why is it not a good idea to try to buy someone’s friendship by giving them money or your favorite things? - Why is it important to notice how people respond to your friendly actions? What might it mean if they respond positively? What might it mean if they respond negatively? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 72 - Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8)  https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep72-nora-age-8-making-friends-new-schl Ep. 73 - Best friend stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Ep. 67: Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
See All (151)

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is a weekly, 5-min. podcast for children about making and keeping friends. Each episode features an audio recording of a question about friendship from a kid (gr. K-8) plus a practical and thought-provoking answer from Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, (aka Dr. Friendtastic,) an author and clinical psychologist based in Princeton, NJ. For transcripts and discussion questions: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast. To submit a question: https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit. For parent resources: https://EileenKennedyMoore.com drfriendtastic.substack.com

Information

You Might Also Like