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

Ep. 101 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding the "just-right" level of friendliness | Friendship advice for kidsAdeline wants to know how to help a news classmate, but she’s also concerned about coming on too strong and overwhelming the new student.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:- Why is it sometimes hard to be the new kid in a class?- Why is it not a good idea to go to someone’s home and try all their beds? (Hint: How is that likely to make them feel?)- What are some clues that you might be coming on too strong and overwhelming a friend? (Hint: What might the friend say or do to let you know this?)- How is a conversation like a game of catch? - If you’re not sure how a friend is feeling about something, what’s the quickest way to find out? Why is this a kind thing to do?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 82: Expand friend group without hurting best friend (Paa, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep82-paa-age-12-expand-friend-group-without-hurting-best-friendEp. 72: Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep72-nora-age-8-making-friends-new-schlEp. 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. 100 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Hear what kids have learned from 100 episodes of 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:- Dr. Friendtastic says that friendship skills aren’t about just doing one thing because we have to be “able to flexibly adjust our behavior to fit the situation.” What does this mean? How might you adjust your behavior to fit a situation?- How is managing friendship a bit like walking on a balance beam? (Hint: What are some of the things we need to balance?)- Thinking about your own life, what have you learned about friendship in the past year?- If you were to send in a question about friendship to Dr. Friendtastic, what would you want to ask?- Which is your favorite episode of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast? Why?- If you could have 100 of anything (not any form of money), what would you choose? Why? Where would you keep them?*** These are the original podcast episodes of the kids featured on the 100th episode celebration:Ep. 88: How to Support an Injured Friend (Sophia, age 7)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep88-sophia-age-7-how-to-support-a-friendEp. 38: Wondering how to be popular (Richard, age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/richard-age-11-wondering-how-to-be-popularEp. 75: Upset when he loses a game (Alex, age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep75-alex-age-a10-upset-when-he-loses-a-gameEp. 36: Dealing with peer pressure (Ann, age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ann-age-9-dealing-with-peer-pressureEp. 96: Dealing with a bossy friend (Grace, age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/dealing-with-a-bossy-friend-graceEp. 31: When someone tries to be annoying (Mila, age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep31-milaEp. 40: Friendly brother also acts wild (Vihaan, age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vihaan-age-6-friendly-brother-acts-wildEp. 51: Mean comment said behind her back (Saoirse, age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saoirse-age-8-mean-comment-said-behindEp. 35: Peers put down his interests (Ryan, age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ryan-age-11-peers-put-down-his-interests Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 99 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What happens after a friend does something mean? | Friendship advice for kidsRosetta wants to know what to do when the girl she considers her best friend does something seriously unkind.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:- Why is it important to tell friends what you’re thinking or feeling (even if you think it’s obvious)?- What are some reasons why you might want to forgive a friend who does something bad to you?- Dr. Friendtastic suggests thinking about two questions after a friend does something you don’t like: 1) What do you think is likely to happen from now on? and 2) Is there anything you could do to make the problem less likely to happen?- How might these questions help you decide whether to continue a friendship?- Would you enjoy having a sword fight with a friend using pool noodles? Why or why not?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 87 - People passing notes about her (Leni, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep87-leni-age-9-people-passing-notes-about-herEp. 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-himEp. 28 - Dealing with spill-over anger (Avni, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-28-avni Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 98 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship group drama | Friendship advice for kidsJessica wants to join a friend group, not not everyone is welcoming.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 are some groups you belong to? What do you have in common with other group members? Is it easy or hard for new people to join those groups? - Why do you think kids sometimes don’t want new people to join their friendship group? (Hint: What might they be afraid could happen?) - Would you rather be in a friendship group where everyone is equal or where you get to be the boss? Why? - What qualities make some kids more powerful than others in a friendship group? In other words, why do other kids let certain kids be “in charge”? How could building up one-on-one friendships help you join a group?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 8 - Excluded by friends (Blake, Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-1b6 Ep. 9 - Told she can't play (Ava, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep9 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. 97 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: The platinum rule | Friendship advice for kidsZoya wants to know how to understand her friends' feelings. 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:- Do you think it’s easier to notice when your friends are having positive feelings or negative feelings? Why?- What are some reasons why it’s important to try to understand other people’s feelings?- Why is it sometimes hard to tell how a friend is feeling? What are some clues that could help you figure this out?- Why is the Platinum Rule even kinder than the Golden Rule?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 3 - Kid tries to wreck game (Noelle, Age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-4b8Ep. 86 - How to know if you can trust a friend (Sally, Age 14)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep86-sally-age-14-how-to-know-if-you-can-trust-a-friendEp. 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

Ep. 96 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Moving past a Yes-No argumentGrace's friend sometimes bosses her around! What can she do?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:- Why do you think kids sometimes act in bossy ways?- Why is it okay if a parent or teacher tells you what to do but annoying if another kid tells you what to do?- What is a Yes-No Argument? Why is it not useful? - What are some ways to present your ideas without coming across as bossy?*** 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-kaiEp. 83 - Fights with close friends (Eloise, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/eloise-age-8-fights-with-close-friendsEp. 71 - Is she a friend or not? (Tali, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep71-tali-age-11-is-she-a-friend-or-not Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 95 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 3 types of embarrassmentSara wishes she could never feel embarrassed!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 felt embarrassed. What happened? How did you handle it?- What does it mean to “own your mistakes”? What is one way to do this?- Why is it sometimes uncomfortable for kids to be the center of attention? (Hint: What might they be afraid will happen?)- Why is it important not to argue or make excuses if someone gives you a compliment? What should you do instead?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 22 - Managing your social reputation (Scarlet, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-22-scarlettEp. 52 - Friend's parents don't like him (Tyler, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dontEp. 49 - Feeling different and rejected (Charlotte, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/charlotte-age-8-feeling-different Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Two questions to ask yourself before discussing a problem with a friend.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 felt mad at a friend. How did you handle it? How did your friend respond?- What are some reasons why it’s not a good idea to yell at a friend, even if you’re mad?- Why is not speaking at all a bad way to solve friendship problems?- How can talking to other kids about a problem with a friend make a problem bigger? How is that different than asking an adult for advice?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 78 - How to confront a friendhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friendEp. 24 - Fake friends versus real friends (Olivia, age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-oliviaEp. 57 - Avoiding conflict (Zen, age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep57-zen-age-6-avoiding-conflict Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What we can control and what we can’tAlice wonders what to do when her good friend doesn't invite her to a party.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 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 felt left out? What happened? How did you handle it? - Why is it hard to try to imagine someone else’s point of view when we’re mad at them? Why is it important to do that anyway? - Dr. Friendtastic mentioned some reasons why Alice’s friend might not have invited her, such as a small guest list or a recent argument. What are some other possible reasons the friend might not have invited her? - If you were in Alice’s situation, and a good friend didn’t invite you to a party, would that be a friendship ender for you or do you think you would try to work things out? *** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 52 - Tyler, Age 12: Friend's parents don't like him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dont Ep. 24 - Olivia, Age 13: Some friendships have limits https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-olivia Ep. 90 - Alma, Age 7: Friend breaks a promise https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promise Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Ep. 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! 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 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 feeling down and someone tried to comfort you. What did they do? How did it make you feel? - Why is saying, “I had something even worse happen to me!” not usually a caring thing to say? - Dr. Friendtastic says, “Any advice that begins with the words, “You should just…” is probably wrong.” Do you agree? Why or why not? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 90 - Alma, Age 7: Friend breaks a promise https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promise Ep. 86 - Sally, Age 14: How to know if you can trust a friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep86-sally-age-14-how-to-know-if-you-can-trust-a-friend Ep. 73 - J.J., Age 11: Best friend stops playing with him 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