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:

Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7) Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 95 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 3 types of embarrassment

Sara wishes she could never feel embarrassed!

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 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-scarlett

Ep. 52 - Friend's parents don't like him (Tyler, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dont

Ep. 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

Before you confront a friend | Friendship advice for kids Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

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/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 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 friend

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friend

Ep. 24 - Fake friends versus real friends (Olivia, age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-olivia

Ep. 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

Not invited to a party! (Alice, Age 6) Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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.

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

What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason, Age 13) Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Arguments with a friend (Kenna & Scarlett, Age 8) Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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.

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 an argument that you had with a friend recently. How did you resolve it? Was the solution fair to both of you? Why or why not?

- Why do you think friends sometimes argue more than nonfriends?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “The louder you yell, the harder it is for people to hear you.” What does that mean? (Hint: How do other people feel if you yell at them?)

- How could telling your friend (honestly) “That makes sense” or “I can see why that matters to you” help the two of you resolve an argument? (Hint: what do you need to do before you can say statements like that?)

*** 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

Friend breaks a promise (Alma, Age 7) Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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? 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:

- What are the three steps of the angry person formula?

- Why is it a good idea to show someone who is angry with you that you understand (at least part of) their concern? (Hint: How are they likely to respond?)

- What do you think is likely to happen if you argue with someone who is angry with you and tell them all the things they do wrong?

- The last part of the angry person formula is about putting your words into action. Why is that important? (Hint: What does it show the angry person?)

- Think of a time when you were angry with someone. How did they respond? How do you wish they had responded?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 5 - Edith, Age 8: Friend doesn't do what I want

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

Ep. 10 - Isaac, Age 7.5: Friend is disrespectful

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-10-isaac

Ep. 83 - Eloise, Age 8: Fights with close friends

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/eloise-age-8-fights-with-close-friends

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

Getting in trouble (Noah, Age 7) Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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?

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:

- What are the three steps of the angry person formula?

- Why is it a good idea to show someone who is angry with you that you understand (at least part of) their concern? (Hint: How are they likely to respond?)

- What do you think is likely to happen if you argue with someone who is angry with you and tell them all the things they do wrong?

- The last part of the angry person formula is about putting your words into action. Why is that important? (Hint: What does it show the angry person?)

- Think of a time when you were angry with someone. How did they respond? How do you wish they had responded?

*** 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. 78 - How to confront a friend

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friend

Ep. 28 - Avni, Age 11: Dealing with spill-over anger

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

How to support an injured friend (Sophia, Age 7) Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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.

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 dealing with something difficult and a friend supported you. What did your friend do? How did it make you feel?

- What are some ways you have given practical support to a friend?

- What are some ways you have given emotional support to a friend?

- Why is it a good idea to ask a friend what kind of support they want?

- What does Dr. Friendtastic mean when she says, “Don’t disappear!” when a friend needs support? (Hint: How would a friend feel if they get lots of support at first but then that support fades, even though the stressful situation continues?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 24 - Olivia, Age 13: Some friendships have limits

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-olivia

Ep. 33 - Richard, Age 11: Best ways to show empathy

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-33-richard

Ep. 37 - Saanvi, Age 12: What's the right gift for a friend?

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saanvi-age-12-whats-the-right-gift

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

People passing notes about her (Leni, Age 9) Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 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?

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:

- Why do you think kids sometimes pass notes about other kids?

- What are some reasons why Leni does NOT have to know what’s in the notes about her? (Hint: How would she feel if she read a mean note about her?)

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “We can’t control what other people do.” What are some things you CAN control in your interactions with other kids?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 76 – Ayana, Age 10: Friends ditch her

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep76-anaya-age-10-friends-ditch-her

Ep. 51 - Saorise, Age 8: Mean comment said behind her back

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saoirse-age-8-mean-comment-said-behind

Ep. 35 - Ryan, Age 11: Peer put down his interests

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

How to know if you can trust a friend (Sally, Age 14) Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

Ep. 86 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What makes a trustworthy friend?

Sally wants to know how she can tell if a friend is trustworthy.

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 thought that a friend betrayed your trust? What happened? How did you handle it?

- What are some things you do to show your friends that they can trust you?

- Why do you think kids sometimes blab their friend’s secrets?

- What should you do if you accidentally tell another kid something that your friend wanted to keep private?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “It takes courage to trust someone, especially if you’ve been burned before.” Why is it sometimes hard to trust people? Why is trusting people important for building close friendships

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 84 - Eloise, age 8: Fights with close friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/eloise-age-8-fights-with-close-friends

Ep. 79 - Mar, age 11: Is your friend a fake friend?https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep79-mar-age-11-is-your-friend-a-fake-friend

Ep. 81 - Nicoletta, age 14: Friend's secret could harm https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep81-nicoletta-age-14-friends-secret-could-harm

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

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