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

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

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

drfriendtastic.substack.com

Latest Episodes:

She took something that didn’t belong to her (River, Age 9) | 146 May 09, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 146 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Moving past guilt | Friendship advice for kids

FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends

https://drfriendtastic.com/gift/

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think kids sometimes take things that don’t belong to them? Why is stealing not a good idea?

- Describe a time when you were tempted to do something you knew was wrong but didn’t. How did you resist the temptation?

- What does “make amends” mean? Why is it a good thing to do in relationships? What could you do to make amends if you accidentally broke a friend’s toy?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Situational control is always easier than self-control.” What does that mean? How could you set up your situation to make sure you get dressed quickly in the morning? How could you set up your situation to make sure you do your work instead of getting distracted at school?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 117 - How to tell if a friend is loyal (Julian, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/how-to-tell-if-a-friend-is-loyal

Ep. 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11

Ep. 1 – Naomi, Age 7: Friendship ends over small thing

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-1

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

He doesn’t like one kid in the group (Joe, Age 9) | 145 May 02, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 145 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: He doesn’t like one kid in the group (Joe, Age 9) | Friendship advice for kids

FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends

https://drfriendtastic.com/gift/

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever had to get along with someone you don’t particularly like? How did you handle that?

- How can disliking someone (and telling people you don’t like that person!) hurt your friendships with other kids?

- Dr. Friendtastic said that staying away from a group because you don’t like one person “would be giving this one kid a lot of power to influence who you play with and what you do.” What does this mean?

- Why is trying to kick someone out of a group an unkind thing to do?

- Why might flooding someone you don’t like with kindness be a useful strategy? (Hint: How are they likely to respond?) When would this strategy not be a good idea?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 138 - When joking is mean, not funny (Seb, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep138-when-joking-is-mean-not-funny-seb-age11

Ep. 12 - Kid bullies him at recess (Adrian, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-12-adrian

Ep. 3 - Kid tries to wreck game (Noelle, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-4b8

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

How to join a group (Addison, Age 9 1/2) | 144 Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 144 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: You don't have to stay on the outside looking in | Friendship advice for kids

FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends

https://drfriendtastic.com/gift/

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What are some reasons why it’s sometimes hard to join a group of kids?

- Why is it important to match the emotional tone of a conversation if you want to join a group?

- What do you look for when you decide whether to try to join a group?

- Do you think you are open to having kids join you if you are hanging out with friends at school or at an activity? What could you do to make another kid feel welcome?

- Do you always have to include people who want to join your group? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 112 - How to Show Openness to Friendship

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep112-how-to-show-openness-to-friendship

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-yourself

Ep. 98 - How to join a group when not everyone wants you in (Jessica, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep98-jessica-age9-how-to-join-a-group-when-not-everyone-wants-you-in

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Friends won't play the game he likes (Akiva, Age 5 3/4) | 143 Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 143 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being flexible with friends | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- When a person is flexible, it means they can adjust to new, unexpected, or unwanted situations. What is an example of someone being flexible with friends? What is an example of someone being rigid with friends?

- How do these two styles (flexible or rigid) affect friendships?

- Does being flexible mean you never get to do what you want? Why or why not?

- Why is it hard to be flexible when we’re upset?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 5 - Friend doesn’t do what I want (Edith, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-af3

Ep. 18 - Building great leadership skills (Kai, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kai

Ep. 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

Best friend replaces her! (Alice, Age 6) | 142 Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 142 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being friendly vs. being friends | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- If you could be any age, what age would you choose to be and why?

- Have you ever moved or had a friend move away from you? What happened?

- Do you think it’s fair that Alice’s best friend found a new best friend after Alice moved away? Why or why not?

- What would you do if you found out that you and your family had to move far away from where you live now? How would you try to stay in touch with old friends? How would you make new friends?

- How is life (and friendship) like a leaf, floating downstream?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 72 - Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep72-nora-age-8-making-friends-new-schl

Ep. 117 - How to tell if a friend is loyal (Julian, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/how-to-tell-if-a-friend-is-loyal

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

How to Have a Conversation - for Kids Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

REPLAY of Ep. 126 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Talking and Listening with Friends | Friendship advice for kids

No one is born knowing how to have a good conversation! In this episode, I share five practical tips to help kids chat more comfortably with others.

🎁 My gift to you — 3 free mini-guides for parents: https://eileenkennedymoore.com/free-mini-guides/

Online workshops for kids: workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

🎙️ Would YOUR KID like to be on the podcast? Submit a question at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Not psychotherapy or for emergencies.)

Easy-to-read transcript: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books: https://EileenKennedyMoore.com

Never miss an episode! https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think kids sometimes feel nervous about talking with other people? (Hint: What might they be afraid of?)

- Who do you enjoy chatting with? Why? (Hint: What do they do that makes your conversation enjoyable?)

- How could you answer the question “How are you?” using the “Great!”-plus-one-fact formula? (Reminder: The “one fact” should create a picture in the listener's mind.) Why might this be a useful formula for conversations?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “focus on being interested more than interesting.” What does that mean? Why might it be a helpful approach to conversations?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 72 - Making friends in a new school (Nora, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep72-nora-age-8-making-friends-new-schl

Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

Ep. 92 - What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep92-mason-age-13-what-to-say-when-a-friend-feels-down

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9) | 141 Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 141 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Being friendly vs. being friends | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What is the difference between being friendly and being friends?

- Why is it generally a good idea to be friendly with people even if they are not your friends?

- What are some reasons why two kids might not want to be friends with each other?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Friendship is not all-or-nothing.” What does that mean? (Hint: What are some different kinds of friends you have?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 133 - Can he be friends with people who don’t like him? (John, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep133-can-he-be-friends-with-people-who-dont-like-him-john-8

Ep. 129 - Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep129-kindest-way-to-break-up-with-a-friend-audrey-age-9

Ep. 122 - Excluded because he’s a boy (Calvin, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep122-excluded-because-hes-a-boy-calvin

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9) | 140 Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 140 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: When a friend tries to seem better than she is | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What are three truths and a lie about you? (Also explain which statement is not true and why.)

- Would you like to have a Flemish Giant rabbit for a pet? Why or why not? (Look up a picture of them if you’re not sure.)

- What are some reasons why kids might lie? Why does Dr. Friendtastic think Martha’s friend might be lying?

- How might lying to impress friends backfire? (Hint: How will friends feel if they find out they’ve been tricked?)

- When someone says something that’s not true, how can you tell if they’re lying, playing, or just mistaken?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 53 - How to stay calm when someone is bragging (Lillian, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lillian-age-11-how-to-stay-calm-when

Ep. 20 - Lying friend (Anna, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-20-anna

Ep. 115 - Her lies hurt her friendship (Sofia, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep115-her-lies-hurt-her-friendships-sofia-age8

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Friend copies her (Jemma, Age 12) | 139 Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 139 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Copycat friend | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What are some reasons why a kid might copy another kid?

- Why do you think kids often feel annoyed when someone copies them?

- What’s the difference between copying someone versus being inspired by someone?

- How is copying someone’s outfit or favorite sports team different from copying someone’s art or writing?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 18 - Building great leadership skills (Kai, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kai

Ep. 31: When someone tries to be annoying (Mila, age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep31-mila

Ep. 30 - Why do some kids push others around? (Michael, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-30-michael

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

When “joking” is mean, not funny (Seb, Age 11) Mar 07, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 138 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to respond to mean comments from friends or others | Friendship advice for kids

Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.

FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f

Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?

SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit(Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)

For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/

Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Think of a time that another kid said something that hurt or upset you. What happened? How did you handle it?

- What are some reasons someone might say something that hurts your feelings without trying to be mean? Why is it important to assume a friend has good intentions?

- Why should your approach to unfunny joking be different depending on whether or not the joker is a friend? (Hint: Why should you only share your feelings with people who care about you?)

- How can telling a friend how you’re feeling improve your friendship?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 136 - How long should you keep a friend? (Matthew, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/how-long-should-you-keep-a-friend

Ep. 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11

Ep. 106 - Friend acts different when others aren’t around (Charlotte, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep106-friend-acts-different-when-others-arent-around-charlotte

Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe