Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship Bonus Episode: Socially Confident Kids in a Screen-Filled World (Nina on "Your Child is Normal" with Dr. Jessica Hochman)
I’m excited to share a fantastic episode from when I was the guest on Your Child Is Normal with pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman. (@askdrjessica on Instagram)
Dr. Jessica and I spoke about how to help kids become socially confident in a world where so much interaction happens on screens. From teaching kids to initiate plans instead of waiting to be invited (adults need to master this too!), to why proximity and real-life time together matter more than ever, this is a practical conversation about what helps kids make and keep friends.
We also got into what it looks like for parents to support friendships—hosting, encouraging, and sometimes stepping in—without over-managing. It's not easy! This discussion includes plenty of nuance. If you’re raising kids in today’s tech-heavy world, this one will give you a lot to think about.
We talk about:
- Why kids (and adults) need to learn to initiate—not wait to be invited
- The importance of proximity and “hyper-local” friendships for kids when possible
- How parents can encourage friendships without forcing them (Accept that kids' friendships WILL change, even when the parents are close.)
- Rethinking reciprocity (it’s not tit-for-tat)
- How to help kids navigate friendship conflict and give each other grace
- The reality of drifting friendships and why it’s not always a failure
- How screens and over-scheduling are changing kids’ social lives
- Simple, practical ways to help kids feel more confident and socially capable
- Thoughts on being "the hosting house"
Meet Dr. Jessica Hochman
Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica, YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
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Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!