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

Ep. 119 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Having friends of different ages .| Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 friend who was in an older or younger grade than you? How did you meet and become friends?- What do you think are the main characteristics of a good friend?- Have you ever had a rough spot with a friend? What happened? Were you able to continue the friendship?- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Kindness is the key to friendship.” What does that mean?*** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, age 5) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends Ep. 96: Dealing with a bossy friend (Grace, age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/dealing-with-a-bossy-friend-grace Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 118 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What to do when everyone else seems paired up | Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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? What did you do to build your friendship?- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Friendships aren’t all or nothing.” What does that mean?- How might increasing your kind actions lead to more friends or closer friends?- Why is getting together with a friend outside of where you have to see them a good way to deepen friendships? [Hint: What does the invitation communicate to the friend?]- How is a friend different from a chair (other than appearance)? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Ep. 48 - New friend claims to be best friend (Lily, Age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lily-age-6-new-friend-claims-to-be-best-friend Ep. 46 - Wishing for a best friend (Anna, Age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/anna-age-9-wishing-for-best-friend Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Hi there,Jealousy & Openness Part 2 is now available, wrapping up the theme I hosted this week in the Big Emotions series.This episode focuses on practical strategies that kids can use when jealousy shows up in their friendships. Instead of letting these feelings break their friendships, children can learn to approach them with curiosity and use them to understand what matters to them.Next up:* Anger & Forgiveness (Sept 30, Oct 2) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Belonging & Independence (Oct 7, 9) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Embarrassment & Pride (Oct 14, 16)* Love & Sadness (Oct 21, 23)* Endings & Beginnings (Oct 28, 30)I've also created downloadable SEL Activity Sheets for each episode to help you continue the conversation at home and deepen what your child learns from the episode: Activity Sheets (PDFs)Listen to the rest of the episodes wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1502915722I hope this is helpful for your family! Please share your thoughts in the comments.Warm wishes, Dr. Eileen Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Hi there,I’m hosting this week’s theme in the Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings series! Jealousy & Openness Part 1 is available now, and I'm honored to guide the conversation around some of the most complex emotions kids face in friendships.If you're just learning about this, Big Emotions is a limited podcast series created with my friends from Kids Listen, Tal Kelly and Jenna Clarke. The series explores 7 emotional themes through 14 episodes, released on Tuesdays and Thursdays through October 30th. Each week, it shines a light on different feelings pairs. The series features clips from over 40 podcasts for kids.What’s coming up* Jealousy & Openness (Sept 23, 25) - I'm hosting these!* Anger & Forgiveness (Sept 30, Oct 2) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Belonging & Independence (Oct 7, 9) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Embarrassment & Pride (Oct 14, 16)* Love & Sadness (Oct 21, 23)* Endings & Beginnings (Oct 28, 30)This week we're exploring jealousy and envy, which we know can be tricky feelings - they can sting, make us compare ourselves to others, or worry we'll lose someone important to us. But they can also be helpful, pointing us toward what matters most and motivating us to grow.In today's episode, you'll learn the difference between jealousy and envy, explore their opposites (like openness, compassion, and contentment), and hear how kids and families deal with these feelings with curiosity and kindness.The episode features stories from Girl Tales and Sleep Tight Stories, as well as Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic, all woven together to help kids understand that these big emotions are normal and manageable.Part 2 comes on Thursday, where we'll go further into how kids can handle jealousy in ways that strengthen rather than damage their relationships.I've also created downloadable SEL Activity Sheets for each episode to help you continue the conversation at home and deepen what your child learns from the episode: Activity Sheets (PDFs)Listen to the rest of the episodes wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1502915722I can't wait for you to hear what we've created together. Please lest me know what you think!Warm wishes, Dr. Eileen Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Hi there,Yesterday I shared the exciting launch of Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings - and this morning brings both Part 2 of the first theme AND the start of the next one!Fear & Bravery Part 2 is now available - the perfect companion to Tuesday's episode. These two episodes work together to give kids a fuller understanding of how courage and fear can coexist.And today also marks the beginning of Jealousy & Openness - the theme I'm honored to be hosting! This morning's episode explores some of the trickiest emotions kids (and adults!) face in friendships.If you missed my earlier message, this groundbreaking series combines voices from over 40 beloved children's podcasts to help kids understand and cope with big emotions through immersive stories, music, reflection questions, and engaging activities.Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured throughout several themes in the series, and I'll be adding those as bonus episodes on our regular podcast feed.Listen wherever you get podcasts: https://pod.link/1502915722I hope you and your child are enjoying this new resource!Warm wishes, Dr. Eileen Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Hi there,I'm thrilled to share something special I've been part of creating, and I think you and your child are going to love it.Introducing: Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings! This is a brand-new, limited podcast series that combines voices from more than 40 beloved children's podcasts to help kids understand and cope with big emotions.Episode 1 is out now: Fear & Bravery!Helping children learn to understand, cope with, and communicate about emotions in themselves and others is essential for developing strong and caring relationships. This series features feelings-laden clips from over 40 different kid podcasts to make learning about emotions engaging, meaningful, and actionable.What makes this special:* 7 emotional themes, explored through 14 episodes* Each theme gets 2 episodes, released on Tuesdays and Thursdays* Running from September 16th through October 30th* Immersive stories, music, reflection questions, and activitiesI had the pleasure of hosting the Jealousy & Openness episodes - out this week (September 23 & 25), and Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured in several other themes throughout the series. I’ll be adding those as bonus episodes on the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic feed.The complete lineup:* Fear & Bravery (Sept 16, 18) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured in part 2!* Jealousy & Openness (Sept 23, 25) - I'm hosting these!* Anger & Forgiveness (Sept 30, Oct 2) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Belonging & Independence (Oct 7, 9) - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is featured* Embarrassment & Pride (Oct 14, 16)* Love & Sadness (Oct 21, 23)* Endings & Beginnings (Oct 28, 30)Listen wherever you get podcasts: https://pod.link/1502915722 and on Yoto in October!Warm wishes, Dr. Eileen Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 117 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building trust between friends | Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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:- Dr. Friendtastic says believing “My friend has to show they’re on my side by hating everyone I hate” is a terrible definition of loyalty. Why is that?- How do you (or would you like to) show loyalty to your friends?- Why does trust between friends usually build gradually? What helps it grow? (Hint: What helps you know you can trust a friend?)- If a friend chooses to work with someone else on a school project or plays with someone else at recess, does that mean they are not a loyal friend? Why or why not?- Do you think of yourself as big or little? Why?*** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 79: Is your friend a fake friend? (Mar, age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep79-mar-age-11-is-your-friend-a-fake-friend Ep. 59: Get rid of toxic friends (Jessie, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13 Ep. 62: All About Forgiveness https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep62-all-about-forgiveness Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 116 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding a balance between family and friends | Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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:- Why do you think kids are sometimes kinder to their friends than they are to their siblings?- When is it okay to exclude a sibling? When is it not?- A compromise means doing partly what you want and partly what someone else wants. Why is compromise important in relationships? Please describe one time when you compromised.- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Learning to balance what you want and what others want is an important relationship skill.” Why is this important? (Hint: What happens if you only think about what you want or only think about what others want?)*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 40: Friendly brother also acts wild (Vihaan, age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vihaan-age-6-friendly-brother-acts-wildEp. 61: How to fight less with brother (Lucy, age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-61-lucyEp. 2 – Friendship with brother (Brayden, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 115 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building a habit of honesty | Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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:- Why do you think it’s sometimes hard for kids to tell the truth?- How can lying hurt your relationships?- What are some reasons for telling the truth even when it’s hard?- What is the difference between white lies and other lies? Do you think white lies are okay? Why or why not?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 20 Lying friend (Anna, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-20-anna Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals Ep. 107 Secrets to self-control in friendship and life (Alex, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep107-secrets-to-self-control-in-friendship-and-life-alex Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Re-release of Ep. 67: Peer pressure vs. peer influence | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 ways that you’ve been influenced by your friends? Do you think that influence has been positive (good for you) or negative (bad for you)? Why?- Have you ever been in a situation where a friend tried to pressure you to do something you didn’t want to do? What happened?- What three words would you use to describe the five (or so) friends you spend the most time with? Do you think those three words also describe you? Why or why not?- Dr. Friendtastic said, “However your friends might influence or even pressure you, you’re in charge of deciding what’s the right thing for you to do.” What does that mean?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 16 - Joining a new group of friends (Sam, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-samEp. 36 - Dealing with peer pressure (Ann, Age 9_ https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ann-age-9-dealing-with-peer-pressureEp. 43 - Friend cut her hair! (Beatrix, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 114: Positive versus Negative AttentionFREE 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 and webinars 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:- Why is positive attention better than negative attention? (Hint: how do others react?) What are some things you do or could do to get positive attention from friends?- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a friend was ignoring you? What happened? Did you ever learn why your friend was ignoring you? How did you handle it?- What would it look like if you were trying to be enjoyable company for a friend? (Hint: What would you do or say?)- When a friend has been distant lately, why is “I miss you!” a better message to communicate than “You’re mean! Stop ignoring me!”?- Why is not speaking to someone a bad way to handle conflicts?- How is ignoring someone different from taking a short break to calm yourself down?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friendsEp. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 113: Choosing between two friends' parties FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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’s the best celebration you’ve had for your birthday? What made it so special- Which would you enjoy attending more: a big party with lots of kids or a small party with just a few kids? Why? - Splitting your time by attending only part of each of two parties that were scheduled at the same time seems fair, but it may cause problems. What are the downsides of that solution? (Hint: think of how the birthday kid, other guests, and you might feel.)- If a close friend invites you to their birthday party but you can’t attend, what are some things you can do to show that friend you care about them?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 110 - Being apart from a friend (Matilda, age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep110-being-apart-from-a-friend-matilda-age5 Ep. 93 - Not invited to a party! (Alice, age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep93-alice-age-6-not-invited-to-a-party Ep. 60 - Friends invited but not him (Henry, age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8 Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 112: Moving past a friendship rough spot in a boy-girl friendship | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 does it mean to be open to friendship? Why might kids sometimes NOT be open to friendship?- Think of a time when you started a friendship. How did you and your friend show that you liked each other and were interested in becoming friends?- Dr. Friendtastic mentioned two mistakes that kids can make in trying to be kind. What are they? Why are they mistakes? (Hint: How might they lead others to think or feel?)- What are some signs that another kid wants to be friends with you?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 85: Fitting in versus being true to yourself (Nev, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep85-nev-age-11-fitting-in-versus-being-true-to-yourselfEp. 67: Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who Ep. 52: Friend’s parents don’t like him (Tyler, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dont Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 111: Moving past a friendship rough spot in a boy-girl friendship | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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:- Sometimes kids try to hide what they think or feel because other kids are teasing them. Have you ever been in that situation? What do you think are some good ways to handle teasing?- Why is it important to apologize when you’ve made a mistake with a friend? (Hint: What does the apology communicate to the friend?)- Have you ever forgiven a friend for a mistake? Have you ever not been able to forgive a friend?- Forgiving is not the same as forgetting. How are they different?- What is self-forgiveness? Why is it important? How is self-forgiveness different from not caring about how your actions affect others?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep 107 - Secrets to self-control in friends (Alex, age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep107-secrets-to-self-control-in-friendship-and-life-alexEp 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friendsEp. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 110: Closeness and distance in friendship | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 been apart from a friend, maybe because they moved away, went on vacation, or were in a different class? How did that affect your friendship? What did you do to try to stay close?- In general, how often do you like to get together with a friend? What do you think is the ideal length of time to hang out with a friend? Why do you like that timing?- What are some ways that being apart can strengthen a friendship?- What do you like to do when you can’t get together with a friend?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friendsEp. 92 - What to say when a friend feels down (Mason, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep92-mason-age-13-what-to-say-when-a-friend-feels-downEp. 76 - Friends ditch her! (Anaya, Age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep76-anaya-age-10-friends-ditch-her Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 109:Two kinds of fitting in | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 different between the current you vs you three or four years ago? What is still the same?- What do you think it means to “be yourself”?- In what situations have you felt less like yourself? Why?- Why is just walking up to someone and telling them everything about you not a good strategy for making friends or fitting in? (Hint: How is that likely to feel if you did that?)- When have you experienced the cozy kind of fitting in??*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 44 - Change self to make friends? (Vera, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friendsEp. 95 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signalsEp. 12 - Get rid of toxic friends? (Jessie, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13 Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 108: Strategies for facing fears | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 were you afraid of when you were younger but aren’t afraid of now? How did you become unafraid of that?Think of a time when you felt anxious in a social situation. What thoughts were going through your mind (i.e., what were you afraid might happen)? How did you handle the situation?Dr. Friendtastic said, “Feeling anxious can lead them to avoid social situations, but that guarantees they’re not going to build the friendships they want.” How could you explain that in your own words?There are two main ways to cope with anxiety: Jump right in or go in toe-by-toe. Which do you generally pregfer and why?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friendsEp. 95 - Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep95-handling-embarrassing-moments-sara-age-7Ep. 12 - Kid bullies him at recess (Adrian, Age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-12-adrian Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Re-release of Ep. 47 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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:- Why do you think having good friends makes it easier for kids to cope with stress? How has a friend been kind or helpful to you when you’ve had to deal with difficult situations?- How can too much conflict hurt a friendship?- Why do you think kids sometimes stick with a low-quality friendship (where there’s a lot of conflict and not much fun or closeness)?- What are some examples of things you’ve done to support or care for a friend?- Think of a time you had a friendship rough spot. How did you handle it?- Dr. Friendtastic says that learning to be a good friend “is a step toward peace and justice in the world.” Do you agree? Why or why not?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friendsEp. 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-downEp. 44 - Change self to make friends? (Vera, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friends Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 107: Strategies for making wise choices FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 when you were able to do what was right even though you were tempted to do something else. How did you do that? What helped you have self-control? - Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to have self-control? - Dr. Friendtastic mentioned three strategies for self-control: 1) change the situation, 2) replace the behavior (do something else), and 3) use self-talk. Which do you think is the easiest strategy to use? Which have you found to be the most helpful? - Think of an area in your life where you’d like to have more self-control. (Hint: It could be related to a bad habit you have or something you’ve done in the past that has caused problems in your relationships.) If you were going to use self-talk to give yourself a pep talk about doing the right thing in this area from now on, what would you say to yourself *** 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-whenEp. 52 - Friend's parents don't like him (Tyler, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dontEp. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 106: Different Kinds of FriendsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould 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 and webinars 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 two situations involving other people where you act differently (e.g., at home vs. at school, with close friends vs. casual friends, at a party with friends vs. at a party with your grandparents). How and why do you act differently in these two situations?- Not every friend will be a close friend. What are some good reasons to have casual friends?- Have you ever felt uncomfortable around people you didn’t know well? What did you do? What could someone have done in that situation to help you feel more comfortable? Have you ever done that for someone else?- Dr. Friendtastic often talks about many possible reasons why someone might have done something, other than trying to be mean. Why is this a good thing to do when you have a problem with a friend? (HINT: How might it affect how you respond?)*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 71 - Is she a friend or not? (Tali, Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep71-tali-age-11-is-she-a-friend-or-notEp. 60 - Friends invited but not him (Henry, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8Ep. 26 - Friendship doesn't have to be all or nothing (Abigail, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe