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

Friend won’t talk about problem (Monet, Age 9)

132- Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding the right words in a conflict | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

They have lots of playdates, and he doesn’t (Matthew, Age 7)

131 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Giving versus getting as a friend | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Should she quit the team? (Summer, Age 9)

130 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Ways to contribute to a team | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9)

129 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Big friendship break-up, slow fade, or something else? | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

When you cry easily (Beth, Age 6)

128 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 5 Things to Do When You Feel Like Crying But Don't Want To | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6)

127 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Closeness vs. separateness in friendship | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

The Right Gift for a Friend (Saanvi, Age 12)

Re-release Ep 37 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: The Joy of Giving | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

How to Have a Conversation - for Kids

126 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Talking and Listening with Friends | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Not picked to play on team (Charlie, Age 9)

125 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Watch then blend | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

How to Join Kids Playing (Amelia, Age 9)

124 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Watch then blend | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

How to Keep Friends (Eva, Age 6)

123 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Making friends and keeping friends require different skills | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Excluded because he’s a boy (Calvin, Age 8)

122 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship is about people, not categories | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Close friend and new friend leave her out! (Sara, Age 8)

121 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Don’t keep score in a friendship | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Best friend playing with someone else (Metis, Age 6)

120 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being apart doesn’t have to end a friendship | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Having friends of different ages (Oliver, Age 11)

119 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Having friends of different ages .| Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Best friends are all taken?! (Sadie, Age 10)

118 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What to do when everyone else seems paired up | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

BONUS Episode: Jealousy and Openness - Part 2

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/1502915722 I 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

BONUS Episode: Jealousy and Openness - Part 1

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/1502915722 I 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

BONUS Episode: Fear and Bravery - Part 2

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/1502915722 I 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

BONUS Episode: Fear and Bravery - Part 1

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 activities I 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

How to tell if a friend is loyal (Julian, Age 12)

117 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building trust between friends | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Sister barges in on her friends (Mia, Age 11)

116 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding a balance between family and friends | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Her lies hurt her friendships (Sofia, Age 8)

115 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building a habit of honesty | Friendship advice for kids Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com

Choosing friends who are a good influence (Paul, Age 12)

Re-release of Ep 67: Peer pressure vs. peer influence | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Friend is ignoring her! (Emma, Age 13)

114: Positive versus Negative Attention FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Birthday Party Crisis! (Haya, Age 6)

113: Choosing between two friends' parties FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

How to Show Openness to Friendship

112: Moving past a friendship rough spot in a boy-girl friendship | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 10)

111: Moving past a friendship rough spot in a boy-girl friendship | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Being apart from a friend (Matilda, Age 5)

110: Closeness and distance in friendship | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

What does it mean to be yourself? (Charlotte, Age 11)

109:Two kinds of fitting in | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

What scares you? (Katie, Age 8)

108: Strategies for facing fears | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

A celebration of INTERdependence! Why friendships matter (Brayden, Age 9)

Re-release of Ep 47 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic | Friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Secrets to self-control in friendship and life (Alex, Age 10)

107: Strategies for making wise choices FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Friend acts different when others aren’t around (Charlotte, Age 7)

106: Different Kinds of Friends FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

What to do when a friend is being mean (Isla, Age 5)

105 How to speak up for yourself FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Friend plays too rough (Liam, Age 9)

104 Pretend fighting vs. real fighting FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Friends butt into conflict with other friend (Grace, Age 8)

103 - Dealing with Nosy Friends FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

How to Deal with an Octopus Friend (Mara, Age 9)

Re-release of Ep 13 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends (Mara, Age 9) FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)

102 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Why both negative and positive feelings help us build strong friendships Aida wants to know how to express her feelings with friends Learn tips for what is most likely to get a good response...or not!

How to make friends with a new classmate (Adeline, Age 7)

101 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding the "just-right" level of friendliness | Friendship advice for kids Adeline wants to know how to help a news classmate, but she’s also concerned about coming on too strong and overwhelming the new student

Celebrating Episode 100!!!

100 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Hear what kids have learned from 100 episodes of friendship advice for kids FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Best friend makes a big mistake! (Rosetta, Age 5)

99 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What happens after a friend does something mean? | Friendship advice for kids Rosetta wants to know what to do when the girl she considers her best friend does something seriously unkind

How to join a group when not everyone wants you in (Jessica, Age 9)

98 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship group drama | Friendship advice for kids Jessica wants to join a friend group, not not everyone is welcoming

How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)

97 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: The platinum rule | Friendship advice for kids Zoya wants to know how to understand her friends' feelings

Dealing with a Bossy Friend (Grace, Age 9)

96 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Moving past a Yes-No argument Grace's friend sometimes bosses her around! What can she do?

Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7)

95 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 3 types of embarrassment Sara wishes she could never feel embarrassed!

Before you confront a friend | Friendship advice for kids

94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Two questions to ask yourself before discussing a problem with a friend

Not invited to a party! (Alice, Age 6)

94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What we can control and what we can’t Alice wonders what to do when her good friend doesn't invite her to a party

What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason, Age 13)

92 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Supportive vs. unsupportive responses to a sad friend Mason wants to know what to say to a friend who is feeling down that won't make the friend feel worse!

Arguments with a friend (Kenna & Scarlett, Age 8)

91 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: This important assumption helps you move past a friendship rough spot Kenna and Scarlett, who want to know what to do when they start arguing

Friend breaks a promise (Alma, Age 7)

90 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Why friends sometimes let us down Alma wants to know what to do about a friend who broke her promise FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Getting in trouble (Noah, Age 7)

89 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to deal with an angry person Noah is frustrated that he got in trouble How can he handle it?

How to support an injured friend (Sophia, Age 7)

88 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Practical support, emotional support, and the importance of on-going support Sophia wants to know how to support a friend who has broken her leg

People passing notes about her (Leni, Age 9)

87 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Figuring out what we can and can’t control Leni feels hurt and angry that kids are passing notes about her What can she do?

How to know if you can trust a friend (Sally, Age 14)

86 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What makes a trustworthy friend? Sally wants to know how she can tell if a friend is trustworthy

Fitting in versus being true to yourself (Nev, Age 11)

85 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: No friend group has more power than you Nev wonders what her mom means when she says, "No friend group has more power than you." FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend?

Torn between two friends who don’t like each other (Jennifer, Age 10)

84 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with a friendship tug-of-war Jennifer wants to know what to do when two friends who don't like each other each want to be her partner

Fights with close friends (Eloise, Age 8)

83 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to make conflict less frequent and less painful Eloise wonders why best friends have bad fights

Expand friend group without hurting best friend (Paa, Age 12)

82 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to make new friends and keep the old Paa wants to expand her friend group but how can she do that without hurting her best friend?

Friend’s secret could harm them (Nicoletta, Age 14)

81 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Knowing when to tell an adult Nicoletta is worried about what to do when a friend begs her to keep a secret that could harm the friend

Dealing with a manipulative friend (Laina, Age 11)

80 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with a manipulative friend Laina wonders how to deal with a manipulative friend But what does that even mean?

Is your friend a fake friend? (Mar, Age 11)

79 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Is your friend a fake friend? Mar wants to know how to recognize a fake friend

How to Confront a Friend

78 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to confront a friend What can you say when a friend does something that upsets you? How do you get your message across without wrecking the friendship?

Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8)

77 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: A friend is not a birthday cake! Maya wonders what to do when she notices her friend being nicer to someone else than to her Scroll down for discussion questions

Welcome to the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast!

0 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Trailer Welcome! Each episode of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast features an audio recording of a question about friendship from a kid (in grades K-8), plus a practical and thought-provoking answer

Friends ditch her (Anaya, Age 10)

76 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Not signing up for more of the same Anaya wonders what to do when friends leave her behind Scroll down for discussion questions

Upset when he loses a game (Alex, Age 10)

75 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Learning to be a good sport Like a lot of kids, Alex has trouble coping with losing a game Scroll down for discussion questions

Friend hits her (Aubrey, Age 6)

74 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: End a friendship or work it out? Aubrey wants to know what to do about a friend who hits her Scroll down for discussion questions

Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

73 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: A fast (but not easy) way to repair a friendship rift J.J feels hurt, angry, and confused because the kid he considered his best friend suddenly refuses to play with him Scroll down for discussion questions

Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8)

72 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Making Friends at a New School Nora wants to know what she can do to make friends when she's starting at a new school Scroll down for discussion questions

Is she a friend or not? (Tali, Age 11)

71 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with a Hot-and-Cold Friend Tali is trying to figure out whether a friend who runs hot-and-cold–sometimes kind, sometimes unkind–is really her friend Scroll down for discussion questions

Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

70 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Sending and receiving Stop Signals Owen asks about Stop Signals, which are all the verbal and nonverbal ways people tell someone to stop Sending and receiving Stop Signals effectively can protect a friendship! Scroll down for discussion questions

Friends get together without her (Phoebe, Age 6)

69 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Is an imperfect friendship worth keeping? Phoebe feels excluded when her friends hang out without her Scroll down for discussion questions

Friend runs away from her (Maya, Age 6)

68 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Avoiding the demand-withdraw pattern Maya wonders how to handle a friend who runs away and ignores her Scroll down for discussion questions

Choosing friends who are a good influence (Paul, Age 12)

67 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Peer pressure vs. peer influence Paul asks how to find the right friends to surround himself with Scroll down for discussion questions

Friends don’t invite her (Adeline, Age 8)

66 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What’s behind a friend wanting to control you? Adeline wishes her friends would invite her to play during recess, but she doesn’t have to wait for an invitation Scroll down for discussion questions

Handling a controlling friend (Bridget, Age 14)

65 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What’s behind a friend wanting to control you? Bridget wonders how to deal with a friend who is being controlling Scroll down for discussion questions

Make friends with different interests (Blake, Age 13)

64 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building real connections to make friends Blake wants to know how to make friends with kids who have different interests than he does Scroll down for discussion questions

Friend wants all her attention (Rosie, Age 5 3/4)

63 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with being excluded Rosie wonders why her friend doesn’t want her to play with anyone else, and what she can do about it Scroll down for discussion questions

All About Forgiveness

62 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to forgive friends who have hurt us When a friend says or does something that hurts us, it’s easy to get stuck in self-righteous bitterness and resentment But for our own sake, as much as theirs, we need to find ways to forgive them and move past those unavoidable friendship rough spots Scroll down for discussion questions

How to fight less with brother (Lucy, Age 6)

61 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with being excluded Brothers and sisters can be a lot of fun, but sometimes they’re hard to live with Lucy wants to know how to fight less with your brother Scroll down for discussion questions

Friends invited but not him (Henry, Age 8)

60 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with being excluded What should Henry do when a kid invites his friends to play but not him? Scroll down for discussion questions

Get rid of toxic friends (Jessie, Age 13)

59 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dumping a friend or working things out by changing the dance Jessie wants to get out of some painful relationships Scroll down for discussion questions

Someone’s about to get hurt! (Kenna, Age 7)

58 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Safety first Keara wonders what to do to keep a friend safe Scroll down for discussion questions

Avoiding Conflict (Zen, Age 6)

57 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: The upside of disagreements Zen wants to know how to avoid conflicts, but what if conflicts are sometimes helpful? Scroll down for discussion questions

Trouble making friends (Diego, Age 11)

56 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Showing openness to friendship Diego wants to know what he can do to make friends Scroll down for discussion questions

Say no without feeling bad (Blaire, Age 12)

55 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How saying no can save a friendship Blaire feels bad about saying no to friends How can she think about things differently? Scroll down for discussion questions

How to help a friend dealing with hard times (Dimitri, Age 12)

54 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Showing up for friends the way they want Dimitri wants to what he can do to support a friend who is dealing with hard times Scroll down for discussion questions

How to stay calm when someone is bragging (Lillian, Age 11)

53 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Knowing the difference between bragging and sharing good news Bragging is annoying because it carries an implied putdown: “I’m better than you!” Lillian wants to know how to stay calm when someone is bragging But are they bragging or just sharing good news? Scroll down for discussion questions

Friend‘s parents don’t like him (Tyler, Age 12)

52 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with hearsay Tyler wonders how to fix things when his friend’s parents don’t like him Scroll down for discussion questions

Mean comment said behind her back (Saoirse, Age 8)

51 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with hearsay Saoirse wonders what to do when a friend tells her another girl called her weird Scroll down for discussion questions

A Common Belief that Blocks Friendship

50 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Beyond the Magnet Myth of Friendship DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What is the Magnet Myth of Friendship? Why is the Magnet Myth NOT true? - How are friends different from fans? - Why does bragging not help you make friends? (Hint: How are other kids likely to react?) - How might worrying about not being “good enough” get in the way of making friends? - Dr. Friendtastic says to “focus on being interested rather than interesting .” What do you think that means? How could you show someone that you are interested in them?

Feeling different and rejected (Charlotte, Age 8)

49 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Feeling Different and Rejected Charlotte wonders what to do when her differences separate her from her peers

New friend claims to be best friend (Lily, Age 6)

48 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Attraction versus closeness Lily wonders how to understand a friend who claims instant intimacy

Why are friends important? (Brayden, Age 9)

47 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friends matter We all know friends are important, but Brayden wants to know why In this week’s episode, I spell out some research findings about the importance of friends and also some ideas about how to be a good friend

Wishing for a Best Friend (Anna, Age 9)

46 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Building closer friendships When they see that other kids paired off with a best friend, and they don’t have one, kids can feel like they’re missing out Anna wants to know what she can do to get a best friend

Gets angry at classmates (Reid, Age 5)

45 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Gets angry at classmates Reid asks about a common problem: getting mad at his peers Hear what does–and doesn’t–work to manage anger

Change self to make friends? (Vera, Age 8)

44 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being true to our authentic self Vera wants to know if we have to change ourselves to make friends

Friend cut her hair! (Beatrix, Age 8)

43 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Learning to say “No.” Beatrix somehow agreed to let her friend snip a tiny bit of her hair but was shocked when the friend cut a big chunk! How can she protect her hair and the friendship?

How to Be a Good Friend

42 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to Be a Good Friend In this year-end wrap-up, Dr. Friendtastic describes 4 areas of friendship that are necessary for becoming a good friend

Friends won’t listen to “stop” or “no” (Tessa, Age 9)

41 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Understanding and communicating about boundaries Tessa wonders how to handle things when her friends don’t respect her boundaries

Friendly brother also acts wild (Vihaan, Age 6)

40 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Imagining the feelings behind wild behavior Vihaan’s brother is his best friend, but sometimes he acts wild How can Vihaan handle this?

Replaced by a friend’s new friend (Maya, Age 8)

39 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with jealousy about a friend’s other friend Maya wants to know how to reconnect with a friend who seems to have moved on to a new best friend

Wondering how to be popular (Richard, Age 11)

38 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Popular kids aren’t necessarily well-liked Richard wants to know how to become popular

What’s the right gift for a friend? (Saanvi, Age 12)

37 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Balancing giving and getting Saanvi isn’t sure how to respond to a friend who gives her expensive gifts

Dealing with peer pressure (Ann, Age 9)

36 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Learning to say "no." Ann wants to know how to avoid letting her friends drag her into doing something she knows she shouldn’t do

Peers put down his interests (Ryan, Age 11)

35 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Figuring out whose opinion matters to you Ryan feels hurt when a classmate boos his efforts and punches his example owl

Upset by name-calling (Chloe, Age 9)

34 - Chloe, Age 9: Upset by name-calling | Communicating about communicating Chloe’s friend doesn’t listen when she asks him to stop calling her names Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

Best ways to show empathy (Richard, Age 11)

33 – Richard, Age 11: Best ways to show empathy | Turning caring into action Richard wants to know how to show more empathy for other kids

Friend is pulling away (Tara, Age 12)

32 – Tara, Age 12: Friend is pulling away | TTrying to reconnect when a friendship starts to fade Tara wonders what to do when a friend becomes less interested in hanging out with the group

When someone tries to be annoying (Mila, Age 9)

31 – Mila, Age 9: When someone tries to be annoying | Taking care of yourself versus trying to change others What can Mila and her friends do about a kid who keeps bothering them?

Why do some kids push others around? (Michael, Age 10)

30 – Michael, Age 10: Why do some kids push others around? | Getting positive versus negative attention Michael wants to know why some kids think it’s okay to physically push others

Dealing with Teasing (Abby, Age 9)

29 – Abby, Age 9: Dealing with Teasing | Dealing with spill-over anger Avni asks what to do when a friend is angry about someone or something else but takes it out on her

Being unfairly targeted by a friend’s anger (Avni, Age 11)

28 – Avni, Age 11: Being unfairly targeted by a friend’s anger | Dealing with spill-over anger Avni asks what to do when a friend is angry about someone or something else but takes it out on her

The new kid at school (Josh Martin aka Majin Buu)

27 – Dr. Friendtastic's Friendship League: Josh Martin Dr. Friendtastic’s Friendship League is made up of adults who care about kids and have volunteered to share with you about a friendship rough spot they faced as a kid plus a kind thing a friend did for them In this episode, Josh Martin, who is the voice of Dragon Ball Z’s Majin Buu, talks about coping with being the new kid Learn more about Josh at https://www.instagram.com/originalbuu/?hl=en

Feeling like a second-choice friend (Abigail, Age 10)

26 – Abigail, Age 10: Feeling like a second-choice friend | Friendship doesn’t have to be all or nothing Abigail wonders what to do when her two friends would rather play with each other than with her

Handling teasing about religion (Bryson, Age 10)

25 – Bryson, Age 10: Handling teasing about religion | Moving past us-versus-them thinking Bryson wants to know why kids are sometimes mean about religion

Fake friends versus real friends (Olivia, Age 13)

24 – Olivia, Age 13: Fake friends versus real friends | Some friendships have limits Olivia wants to know how to recognize a fake friendship

Getting pushed around at recess (Gage, Age 9)

23 – Gage, Age 9: Getting pushed around at recess | Play fighting versus real fighting Gage wonders what to do about a kid who throws him to the ground at recess

Changing a bad first impression (Scarlett, Age 13)

22 – Scarlett, Age 13: Changing a bad first impression | Managing your social reputation Scarlett wants to know what to do to change someone’s first impression of her

Wanting to be more popular (Eugene, Age 13)

21 – Eugene, Age 13: Wanting to be more popular | Popularity is not the same as friendship Eugene wonders how to become friends with someone more popular than he is

Lying friend (Anna, Age 9)

20 – Anna, Age 9: Lying friend | Why might a friend not tell you the truth? Anna is upset about a friend lying to her What should she do?

Being teased, and an act of kindness (Jason Griffith aka Sonic the Hedgehog)

19 – Dr. Friendtastic's Friendship League: Jason Griffith Dr. Friendtastic’s Friendship League is made up of adults who care about kids and have volunteered to share with you about a friendship rough spot they faced as a kid plus a kind thing a friend did for them In this episode, Jason Griffith, who was the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, tells a powerful story about overcoming being bullied Learn more about Jason at https://www.instagram.com/real_jasongriffith/ Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

Friends call him bossy (Kai, Age 9)

18 – Kai, Age 9: Friends call him bossy | Building great leadership skills Kai wonders what to do when his friends say he’s being bossy How can he get his ideas across?

Balancing a best friend and another friend (Sophie, Age 10)

17 – Sophie, Age 10: Balancing a best friend and another friend | Appreciating different flavors of friends Sophie is deciding whether to sit on the bus with her close friend or a new friend Scroll down for discussion questions, a transcript, and how to submit your child's question

Joining a new group of friends (Sam, Age 13)

16 – Sam, Age 13: Joining a new group of friends | Understanding the difference between fitting in and belonging Sam wants to know how he can tell if he’s become friends with a new group

What is a close friend? (Evie, Age 9)

15 – Evie, Age 9: What is a close friend? | Valuing close friends and other friends Evie wonders how to tell if she has a close friend

Feels guilty, wants to make up with a friend (Rowan, Age 12)

14 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to apologize well Rowan feels guilty about doing something mean to his friend What can he do to repair the friendship?

Friend doesn’t want her to have other friends (Mara, Age 9)

13 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with an Octopus Friend Mara wonders how to handle a friend who wants to keep her all to herself

Kid bullies him at recess (Adrian, Age 8)

12 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Knowing when to get adult help Adrian wonders what to do when a kid picks on him every day at recess

Kids say mean things about a friend’s skin color (Violet, age 8)

11 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Speaking up for a friend Violet wonders how to stand up for her friend when other friends make racist comments

Friend is disrespectful (Isaac, age 7.5)

10, Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Speaking up for yourself in kind ways Isaac wonders what to do when another kid treats him and his toys in disrespectful ways Does that mean the friendship is over?

Told she can't play (Ava, age 9)

Ep 9 – Ava, age 9: Friendly actions in public versus private settings Ava has two friends who want to play only with each other What should she do?

Excluded by friends (Blake, age 11)

Episode 8 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: On the edge of a friendship group? Blake’s question is about what to do when friends get together without him This event could mean nothing at all, or it could be a sign of problems in his friendships

Friend is a poor sport (Emma, age 11)

7 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Choosing how to respond to a frustrating friend Emma asks what to do when a friend is a poor sport and can’t handle being “it” in a game of tag

Wondering why kids bully (Jayden, age 9)

Episode 6 – Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Empathy blind spots Jayden wonders why kids bully other kids

Friend doesn’t do what she wants (Edith, age 8)

5, Kids Ask Dr Friendtastic: Watch out for shoulds Edith wants to know how to handle things when a friend doesn’t do what she wants

One friend feels left out (Thomas, age 13)

4 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Dealing with a friendship threesome It is hard to make everyone happy in a friendship group of three, so Thomas wonders what he can do

Kid tries to wreck game (Noelle, age 10)

3 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Be curious about what others think or want Noelle wonders what she should do when another kid keeps interrupting her game

Friendship with brother (Brayden, age 12)

2 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What does it mean to be a good friend? Brayden wants to be a best friend to his little brother and wonders how he can make that happen

Friendship ends over small thing (Naomi, age 7)

1 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Different points of view Naomi wonders how something small could end a friendship