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 does friction mean? Why is it always part of friendship?

- What do you expect from a close friend (versus a stranger)? What could you do if a friend doesn’t meet those expectations?

- When (not if) a friend does something you don’t like, why is it NOT helpful to assume that means they are a mean and terrible friend?

- Why is it not a good idea to insist that a friend always has to play only with you? (Hint: How might that make the friend feel?)

= How could caring about a friend help smooth out friction between the two of you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 143 - Friend won’d play the game he likes (Akiva, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep143-friends-wont-play-the-game-he-likes-akiva-age-5

Ep. 127 - Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep127-friend-wants-space-sloane-age-6

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

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

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:

- Sometimes kids think they only have to be kind to people they know and like. What could you say to argue against that idea?

- What do you expect from a close friend? What do you expect from someone who is not your friend? How and why are these expectations different?

- Why would it be unkind to have a party and invite everyone in a group except one person? What could you do instead?

- What is an empathy blindspot?

- How might being mean to someone end up hurting you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 154 - Friends say she’s bossy, but they’re bossy (Lola, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/friends-say-shes-bossy-but-theyre

Ep. 141 - Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep141-can-we-be-friends-with-anyone-michael-age9

Ep. 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

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 is it sometimes hard for kids to tell the truth? (Hint: What might they be afraid could happen if they tell the truth?)

- What’s the difference between lying and saying something that’s not true? (Hint: What are some examples of statements that are not true but also not a lie?)

- How might telling lies hurt a friendship?

- Do you think telling a lie can ever be a kind thing to do? Why or why not?

- Why is it not a good idea to accuse a friend of being a liar?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 140 - Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep140-friend-lies-and-boasts-martha-age-9

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

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’s the difference between friendship drama versus conflict?

- Why do you think some people get involved in more friendship drama than others?

- What are some ways to prevent conflict from turning into drama?

- Dr. Friendtastic suggests avoiding saying “You always…”, or “You never…” or “You think…” or “You’re just trying to…” Why are these comments unhelpful? (Hint: How would your friend be likely to respond if you said them?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 91 - Arguments with a friend (Kenna & Scarlett, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep91-kenna-and-scarlett-age-8-arguments-with-a-friend

Ep. 155 - Friend is jealous and possessive (Miranda, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep155-friend-is-jealous-and-possessive-miranda-age8

Ep. 59 - Get rid of toxic friends? (Jessie, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13 

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:

- How do you decide whether to share your opinion or keep it to yourself?

- Have you ever been in a situation where someone wanted to be friends with you, but you weren’t interested in being friends with them? How did you handle it?

- Have you ever had someone reject your efforts to be friends with them or just not like you as much as you like them? How did they let you know? How do you wish they’d let you know? How did you respond?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Everyone has a right to be treated with kindness and respect.” What does that mean you should do with people who are not your friends?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 141 - Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep141-can-we-be-friends-with-anyone-michael-age9

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. 12 - Get rid of toxic friends? (Jessie, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

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:

- Think of a time you had to say no to a friend. What happened? How hard or easy was it for you to say no? How did your friend react?

- Why is it important to say no to friends sometimes? How can saying no help a friendship? How can NOT saying no sometimes hurt a friendship?

- Why do you think kids are sometimes nervous or uncomfortable about saying no to a friend?

- What could you say if a friend is disappointed or annoyed when you say no?

- When is it okay to say yes to a friend, even if it’s not exactly what you want?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 154 - Friends say she’s bossy, but they’re bossy (Lola, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/friends-say-shes-bossy-but-theyre

Ep. 109 - What does it mean to be yourself? (Charlotte, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep109-what-does-it-mean-to-be-true-to-self-charlotte-age11

Ep. 79 - Sending and receiving Stop Signals (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

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 message does it send a friend if you ignore that friend’s stop sign?

- Why do kids sometimes have trouble responding to stop signs from their friends?

- Have you ever asked someone to stop and they didn’t listen? How did you feel? Why do you think they didn’t stop? How did you handle the situation?

- Why is it not okay for friends to punish each other? How is punishment different from a logical consequence? (Hint: A logical consequence is the natural result of an action. For instance, if you are mean to a friend, the logical consequence is that the friend won’t want to be around you. If you blab a friend’s secret, the logical consequence is that friend won’t trust you with another secret. )

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 43 - Friend cut her hair! (Beatrix, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

Ep. 41 - Friends won't listen to stop or no (Tessa, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tessa-age-9-boundaries

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

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

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 kids’ friendships sometimes fall apart?

- What would you do if you noticed a friend was suddenly acting more distant?

- Why do friends sometimes refuse to tell you what’s wrong when there’s a problem between you? (Hint: What might they be afraid of?)

- If a friend told you they were mad at you because of something you did, what could you do to make things better between you? What should you avoid doing in that situation?

- What do you think it means to show up as your best self? Why is that important?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 151 - Why is it so hard to say, “I’m sorry”? (Minta, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep151-why-is-it-so-hard-to-say-im-sorry-minta-age-almost-10

Ep. 77 - Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep77-maya-age-8-friend-is-nicer-to-someone-else

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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:

- Students and teachers can have important and deeply caring relationships, but they can’t be friends. Why not?

- What is the lesson of the story about three blind men describing an elephant?

- How might understanding that different people can have different views about the same situation or event help you deal with a friendship rough spot?

- Why do players in a sport agree to go along with what the umpire decides, even if they don’t agree?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “We can’t always win a game, but we can always win the fun.” How do you win the fun while playing with friends?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 75: Upset when he loses a game (Alex, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep75-alex-age-a10-upset-when-he-loses-a-game

Ep. 140 - Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep140-friend-lies-and-boasts-martha-age-9

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

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

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 a friend in a different classroom? What did you do to try to stay connected? Why is it sometimes hard for friends in different classrooms to stay close?

- What are some things you do or would like to do with friends outside of school?

- Why is it important to ask friends about what’s happening in their lives when you’re not around and tell them about what’s happening in your life when they’re not around? What’s the difference between being nosy and being an interested friend?

- What do you think Dr. Friendtastic means when she suggests that Lily try to open-hearted? (Hint: She mentions Lily making other friends, and Lily’s friend making other friends.)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 110 - Being apart from a friend (Matilda, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep110-being-apart-from-a-friend-matilda-age5

Ep 120 - Best friend is playing with someone else (Metis, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep120-best-friend-playing-with-someone-else-metis-6-dutch

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

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

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:

- If you’re having a conflict with someone, do you think your friend has to be on your side, against the other kid? Why or why not? Why might your friend not want to take sides?

- Have you ever been in a situation where another kid didn’t like you? Why didn’t they like you? How did you feel about them? How did things end up between you?

- Dr. Friendtastic lists a bunch of things that could make the situation worse: Criticizing the friend’s other friend, acting grumpy around the friend, or insisting that the friend has to choose sides. Why are these NOT good options? (Hint: How is the friend likely to react?)

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic encourage Ian to try to imagine the other kids’ feelings? (Hint: How might that be helpful for Ian?) Why does she focus on what Ian could do, rather than what the friend should do?

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

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep84-jennifer-age-10-torn-between-two-friends-who-dont-like-each-other 

Ep. 77 - Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8) 

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep77-maya-age-8-friend-is-nicer-to-someone-else 

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 is your favorite possession and why? Would you feel comfortable letting another kid use or borrow it? Why or why not?

- What does Dr. Friendtastic mean when she says we can’t own friends?

- Would you continue to be friends with someone who hit you? Why or why not?

- Why do you think the friend felt upset when Miranda played with someone else? What could the friend have done to handle the situation better?

- Have you ever worried that you might lose a friend to someone else? How did you handle that?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11) 

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him  

Ep. 121 - Close friend and new friend leave her out (Sara, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep121-close-friend-and-new-friend-leave-her-out-sara-age8

Ep. 17 - Balancing a best friend and another friend (Sophie, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sophie 

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’s the difference between being bossy and being a leader?

What are some not-so-good ways that kids might try to get another kid to do what they want? What could they do instead?

Why is an “I” statement easier for people to hear than a “You” accusation?

What does it mean to look for agreement rather than control with friends?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 149 Friends aren’t listening to her! (Bella, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep149-friends-arent-listening-to-her-bella-age-10

Ep. 126 - How to have a conversation - for kids

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/replay-ep126-how-to-have-a-conversation-for-kids

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

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

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 is the difference between not invited versus excluded? Why does that difference matter? (Hint: Think about the intention of the host.)

- What are some non-mean reasons why you might do something with one friend but not another?

- Why is it not a good idea to yell at someone for not inviting you?

- All-or-nothing thinking means believing something has to be perfect or it’s worthless. Why is this not a useful way to think about friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “What your friends do when you’re not around is not your concern.” What does that mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 4 - One friend feels left out (Thomas, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f

Ep. 51 - Mean comment said behind her back (Saoirse, Age 8)

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

Ep. 26 - Friendship doesn’t have to be all or nothing (Abigail, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

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 ways that you are a good friend? (Hint: what do you do to show your friends you like and care about them?)

- Why is it sometimes hard to be a good friend?

- Thinking about the different friendship areas Dr. Friendtastic highlighted, fun, support, closeness, and handling conflicts, which do you think is the hardest to do well? Why?

- What could you do to try to become an even better friend? (Think about all the areas and questions mentioned in the podcast episode.)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

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. 124 - How to Join Kids Playing (Amelia, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep124-how-to-join-kids-playing-amelia-age9

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 friends might fall out of touch (even if they still live nearby)?

- Do you have any old friends you’ve lost touch with? Would you want to reconnect with them? Why or why not? How could you reach out to them? How do you think they’d respond?

- How would you respond if an old friend you hadn’t heard from in a while reached out to you?

- To expand your friendship circle, you could make new friends or reach out to old friends you haven’t connected with in a while. Which do you think is easier? Why?

- Why do you think kids are sometimes reluctant to reach out to old friends? What could you say to a friend to encourage them to reach out to their former friends?

*** 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-friend

Ep. 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

Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

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:

- Is it hard or easy for you to apologize? Why? Why do you think kids sometimes struggle to apologize?

- Think of a time when you apologized to someone. How did you feel? How did that person respond?

- Think of a time when you wanted someone to apologize to you. What happened? Did they apologize? How did you feel?

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic suggest, “The person who is least wrong should apologize first”?

- Sometimes people say, “An apology isn’t good enough!” What do you think they might be looking for beyond the words “I’m sorry”?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

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

Ep. 91 - Arguments with a friend (Kenna & Scarlett, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep91-kenna-and-scarlett-age-8-arguments-with-a-friend

Ep. 14 - Feeling guilty, wanting to make up with a friend (Rowan, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-14-rowan

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 do you think would happen if you put 150 penguins on two school buses?

- Why is it a good idea to try to be friendly with your friend’s other friends?

- What does it mean to “assume good intent”? How can this help a friendship?

- Why is it important to help your friends understand what you think, feel, or need?

- Which is easier for you to move past, when you make a mistake with a friend or when a friend makes a mistake with you? Why? Why is it important to be able to move past both types of mistakes? (Hint: How could it hurt a friendship if you hold onto either resentment or guilt?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

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

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. 100 - Celebrating Episode 100!!!

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep100-celebrating

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 felt like a friend wasn’t hearing you? How did you handle it?

- Why is listening an important part of friendship?

- What does Dr. Friendtastic mean when she says, “The lounder you yell, the harder it is for people to hear you”?

- What is a Yes-No argument? Why do you think kids sometimes get stuck in those? What could they do instead?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

Ep. 78 - How to confront a friend

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

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

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

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 is it important to try to understand how a friend is feeling?

- What are the seven clues that can tell us how someone is feeling?

- Think about a time when someone didn’t understand how you were feeling. How did you handle that situation?

- Some people are better than others at communicating about their feelings. Think of the people you know. Whose feelings are easiest to understand? Whose are hardest to guess? Why?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends

Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

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

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

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:

- Describe a conflict you had with a friend. What happened? What was your friend’s point of view and what was yours? How did the conflict affect your friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic says that conflict can be a way for friends to learn about each other. What does that mean?

- When might it be a good idea to give in and do what your friend wants, even though it isn’t exactly what you want? When is it NOT a good idea to do this?

- Why is it important to try to understand what a friend is thinking or feeling? (Hint: What could happen if we just insist on what we want?)

- What are some things you can do or not do to make conflicts with a friend less painful?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

Ep. 103 - Friend butt into conflict with other friend (Grace, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep103-friends-butt-into-conflict-with-other-friend

Ep. 132 - Friend won’t talk about problem (Monet, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep132-friend-wont-talk-about-problem-monet-age-9

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:

- Do you have a nickname? If so, who calls you that, and how do you feel about it? If not, would you like a nickname? Why or why not?

- Have you ever been teased in a way you found hurtful? What happened? How did you handle it?

- What are some reasons a good friend might accidentally say something hurtful?

- How might you handle things differently if a hurtful name or comment came from a friend versus someone who is not a friend?

- Dr. Friendtastic says you should only criticize someone’s appearance if it’s something they can quickly fix, and you can mention it privately. Why are these important guidelines? (Hint: How are people likely to feel if they can’t easily fix whatever it is, or if other people hear your negative comments?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 95 - Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep95-handling-embarrassing-moments-sara-age-7

Ep. 29 - Dealing with teasing (Abby, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-29-abby

Ep. 25 - Moving past us-versus-them thinking (Bryson, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-25-bryson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

- Have you ever had a best friend? How is a close or best friend different from other friends?

- Why do you think someone might not want their friend to have other friends? How might that affect the friendship?

- Why is it a good idea to have more than one friend?

- What are some ways you’ve tried to make new friends?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 13 (re-release) - How to deal with an octopus friend (Mara, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep13-rerelease-how-to-deal-with-an-octopus-friend-mara-age9

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. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

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:

- Do you have a stuffed animal that you’ve loved for a long time? What’s its name? What does it look like? What makes this stuffed animal special to you?

- How long is the longest friendship you’ve had? How did you meet that friend? What do you do to stay connected to that friendship?

- What is your favorite thing to do with friends? Why?

- What are some ways to show friends that they matter to you?

*** 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. 127 - Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep127-friend-wants-space-sloane-age-6

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 friend you know. How did your friendship begin?

- If you want to make a new friend, why is it important to choose to reach out to someone who is a good candidate for friendship? What makes someone seem like a good friendship possibility?

- What are some ways that you have shown friends (or potential friends) that you like them?

- Why is it not a good idea to try to buy someone’s friendship by giving them money or your favorite things?

- Why is it important to notice how people respond to your friendly actions? What might it mean if they respond positively? What might it mean if they respond negatively?

*** 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. 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-him

Ep. 67: Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

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:

- Have you ever done something that made another kid not like you? What happened? How did you handle that?

- What would you do if your friend group suddenly started being interested in inappropriate topics or activities?

- Do you think your grown-ups are more strict, less strict, or about the same level of strictness compared to your friends’ parents? Why?

- Why do you think adults try to limit kids’ exposure to “mature” content that is violent or focused on boyfriends and girlfriends?

- What rules do you have to follow about electronic devices? If you were a parent, what rules would you have for your kid? Why?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 123 - How to Keep Friends (Eva, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep123-how-to-keep-friends-eva-age-6

Ep. 109 - What does it mean to be yourself? (Charlotte, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep109-what-does-it-mean-to-be-true-to-self-charlotte-age11

Ep. 89 - How to deal with an angry person (Noah, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep89-noah-age-7-getting-in-trouble

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:

- Have you ever done something that made another kid not like you? What happened? How did you handle that?

- Why do you think kids sometimes want to be friends with kids who don’t like them?

- How could trying to be friends with people who don’t like you end up hurting you?

- We can’t be friends with everyone, but we do need to try to be kind to everyone. What do you think that means you should do (or not do) when you don’t like someone?

- Have you ever met a kid who just didn’t appeal to you? What led to that dislike? Looking back, do you think you were fair, or are there ways you would have liked to handle things differently?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 38 - Wondering how to be popular (Richard, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/richard-age-11-wondering-how-to-be-popular

Ep. 21 - Popularity is not the same as friendship (Eugene, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-21-eugene

Ep. 20 - Why might a friend not tell you the truth? (Anna, Age 9)

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

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 recent conflict you had with a friend. What happened? How did you deal with it? Is there something you would like to do differently next time?

- What are some reasons why a friend might not want to talk about a problem?

- What does the statement “We can’t force someone to be friends with us” mean?

- Why is saying or implying, “I’m good; you’re bad” not a helpful way to deal with conflict? What could you do instead?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 1 - Friendship ends over small thing (Naomi, Age 7) 

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

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

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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:

- Have you ever wished you had more playdates? Who do you think you’d like to invite over? What would you like to do with them?

- How is friendship different from a game?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Positive and negative actions don’t have equal impact” on relationships. What does that mean? (Hint: How do kind or unkind actions affect a friendship?)

- Why is a one-on-one get-together a good way to deepen a friendship?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 49 - Feeling different and rejected (Charlotte, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/charlotte-age-8-feeling-different

Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

Ep. 77 - Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep77-maya-age-8-friend-is-nicer-to-someone-else

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:

- Why do you think kids sometimes want to quit a sport or activity if they’re not instantly the best performer on the team?

- What could you say to someone who wants to quit that might convince them to continue an activity?

- When is it a good idea for kids to quit a sport or activity?

- What is the difference between process and performance? They both matter, but which do you think is often most important? Why?

- What can you do now that you weren’t able to do last year? How did you manage to improve your skills?

- What are some ways to contribute to a team, besides scoring in a game?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 7 – Friend is a poor sport (Emma, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep7-poor-sport-friend

Ep. 75: Upset when he loses a game (Alex, age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep75-alex-age-a10-upset-when-he-loses-a-game

Ep. 125 - Not picked to play on the team (Charlie, Age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep125-not-picked-to-play-on-team-charlie-age9

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:

- Have you ever had a friendship end? What happened? Was it your choice, their choice, neither, or both?

- If you were the friend being dumped, how would you want your former friend to handle it?

- Dr. Friendtastic believes it’s very mean to suddenly refuse to speak with someone. What do you think? Why is this not a good way to handle friendship rough spots?

- Why is it not a good idea to involve other people in a conflict between you and a friend?

- How do you decide whether to try to work things out or end a friendship? (Hint: what might make you want to stay or go?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 127 - Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep127-friend-wants-space-sloane-age-6

Ep. 114 - Friend is ignoring her! (Emma, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/friend-is-ignoring-her-emma-age-13

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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 you cried recently. What triggered your tears? Were you alone or with others? If you were with others, how did they respond?

- Everyone cries sometimes. What do you think are some good or not-so-good places to cry? Why? [Hint: Who’s around and how are they likely to respond?]

- Have you ever tried to comfort a friend who was crying? What did you do?

- Dr. Friendtastic mentioned 5 self-soothing strategies to use when you feel like crying but don’t want to cry. Which of these appeals to you? What other strategies might be helpful?

- Research says that females tend to cry more often than males. Why do you think that is?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends

Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

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

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

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:

- How have you tried to learn about other cultures? (Hint: Do you know any words in a different language? Have you eaten food from a different culture? Have you had the chance to travel to different countries? Have you read books about someone who lives in a different country or comes from a different culture?)

- Do you like physical affection with friends or do you prefer a hands-off style of relating? How do you let friends know what you prefer?

- Has a friend ever told you they wanted space from you or didn’t want to be your friend anymore? What happened?

- Have you ever wanted physical or emotional space from a friend? How did you handle that?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 123 - How to Keep Friends (Eva, Age 6) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep123-how-to-keep-friends-eva-age-6

Ep. 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11 

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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 best gift you ever received from a friend? What makes you think it’s the best?

- Why do you think Saanvi’s parents don’t want her to give her friend an expensive gift? What are some reasons why giving a friend an expensive gift might not be a good idea?

- What is something you gave to a friend that didn’t cost any money, but the friend really liked it?

- Dr. Friendtastic listed a bunch of ideas of possible gifts for a friend that cost little or no money: teaching the friend something, helping a friend with chores, makin a drawing or a craft, yummy food, a photo collage, a slide show, or a video about the two of you, writing a letter or a card telling the friend how much they mean to you. Which of those would you most like to receive? Which of these–or another idea–would you most like to give to a friend?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 47 - Why friendships matter (Brayden, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/brayden-age-9-why-are-friends-important

Ep. 67: Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who  

Ep. 123 - How to keep friends (Eva, Age 6) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep123-how-to-keep-friends-eva-age-6

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:

- 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

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 ways to pick teams that are fair and kind to everyone?

- Why is it sometimes hard for kids to be a good sport?

- How do you decide who to play with at recess? (Hint: What might make you choose to try to join one group of kids but not another?)

- Have you ever “started the fun” at recess? If so, what did you do? If not, what fun game or activity could you try to start with other kids?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 124 - How to Join Kids Playing (Amelia, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep124-how-to-join-kids-playing-amelia-age9

Ep. 107 - Secrets to self-control in friendship and life (Alex, Age 10) 

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep107-secrets-to-self-control-in-friendship-and-life-alex

Ep. 7 – Emma, Age 11: Friend is a poor sport

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep7-poor-sport-friend

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 kids might sit alone at recess?

- What is your favorite thing to do at recess? Who likes to do it with you?

- Why is it important to think about the what/who/how questions before trying to join a group?

- Why might it be easiest to join a single kid, playing alone, or a group of four or more?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 4 - One friend feels left out (Thomas, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f

Ep. 49 - Feeling different and rejected (Charlotte, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/charlotte-age-8-feeling-different

Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

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:

- Dr. Friendtastic said that keeping a friendship involves 1) building up the positives in the relationship and 2) minimizing the negatives. Which of these do you think has a bigger impact on friendships, positive or negative interactions? Why?

- Think of a time when you and a friend faced a friendship rough spot. What happened? How did you get past it?

- What is one kind thing a friend has done for you?

- What is one kind thing you have done for a friend?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 110 - Being apart from a friend (Matilda, Age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep110-being-apart-from-a-friend-matilda-age5

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

Ep. 90 - Friend breaks a promise (Alma, Age 7) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promise

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:

- Which of the silly contests described at the start of this episode would you like to play with your friends?

- What is the difference between keeping score with friends and keeping score about friends?

- Why does it matter whether the other friends are whispering to each other or just talking to each other?

- If your friend does something you don’t like, what are some reasons you might decide NOT to say anything about it?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 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-him

Ep. 77 - Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep77-maya-age-8-friend-is-nicer-to-someone-else

Ep. 114 - Friend is ignoring her! (Emma, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/friend-is-ignoring-her-emma-age-13

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:

- Which of the silly contests described at the start of this episode would you like to play with your friends?

- What is the difference between keeping score with friends and keeping score about friends?

- Why does it matter whether the other friends are whispering to each other or just talking to each other?

- If your friend does something you don’t like, what are some reasons you might decide NOT to say anything about it?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 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-him

Ep. 77 - Friend is nicer to someone else (Maya, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep77-maya-age-8-friend-is-nicer-to-someone-else

Ep. 114 - Friend is ignoring her! (Emma, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/friend-is-ignoring-her-emma-age-13

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:

- How could you try to be enjoyable company when you’re with a friend?

- Dr. Friendtastic mentioned two plans that are NOT a good idea for dealing with your friend playing with someone else. What were those plans, and why are they not a good idea?

- Why is it a good idea to try to be friends with a friend’s friend?

- Why is having more than one friend a good way to take care of yourself?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 111 - Friend won’t forgive her (Thea, Age 10)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11

Ep. 94 - Before you confront a friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep94-before-you-confront-a-friend

Ep. 26 - Friendship doesn’t have to be all or nothing (Abigail, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

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:

- Have you ever had a friend who was in an older or younger grade than you? How did you meet and become friends?

- What do you think are the main characteristics of a good friend?

- Have you ever had a rough spot with a friend? What happened? Were you able to continue the friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Kindness is the key to friendship.” What does that mean?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends 

Ep. 96: Dealing with a bossy friend (Grace, age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/dealing-with-a-bossy-friend-grace

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:

- Have you ever had a best friend? What did you do to build your friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Friendships aren’t all or nothing.” What does that mean?

- How might increasing your kind actions lead to more friends or closer friends?

- Why is getting together with a friend outside of where you have to see them a good way to deepen friendships? [Hint: What does the invitation communicate to the friend?]

- How is a friend different from a chair (other than appearance)?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him 

Ep. 48 - New friend claims to be best friend (Lily, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lily-age-6-new-friend-claims-to-be-best-friend

Ep. 46 - Wishing for a best friend (Anna, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/anna-age-9-wishing-for-best-friend

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

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

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

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

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:

- Dr. Friendtastic says believing “My friend has to show they’re on my side by hating everyone I hate” is a terrible definition of loyalty. Why is that?

- How do you (or would you like to) show loyalty to your friends?

- Why does trust between friends usually build gradually? What helps it grow? (Hint: What helps you know you can trust a friend?)

- If a friend chooses to work with someone else on a school project or plays with someone else at recess, does that mean they are not a loyal friend? Why or why not?

- Do you think of yourself as big or little? Why?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

Ep. 59: Get rid of toxic friends (Jessie, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

Ep. 62: All About Forgiveness https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep62-all-about-forgiveness

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:

- Why do you think kids are sometimes kinder to their friends than they are to their siblings?

- When is it okay to exclude a sibling? When is it not?

- A compromise means doing partly what you want and partly what someone else wants. Why is compromise important in relationships? Please describe one time when you compromised.

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “Learning to balance what you want and what others want is an important relationship skill.” Why is this important? (Hint: What happens if you only think about what you want or only think about what others want?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 40: Friendly brother also acts wild (Vihaan, age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vihaan-age-6-friendly-brother-acts-wild

Ep. 61: How to fight less with brother (Lucy, age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-61-lucy

Ep. 2 – Friendship with brother (Brayden, Age 12)

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

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:

- Why do you think it’s sometimes hard for kids to tell the truth?

- How can lying hurt your relationships?

- What are some reasons for telling the truth even when it’s hard?

- What is the difference between white lies and other lies? Do you think white lies are okay? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 20 Lying friend (Anna, Age 9)

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

Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

Ep. 107 Secrets to self-control in friendship and life (Alex, Age 10) 

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep107-secrets-to-self-control-in-friendship-and-life-alex

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 some ways that you’ve been influenced by your friends? Do you think that influence has been positive (good for you) or negative (bad for you)? Why?

- Have you ever been in a situation where a friend tried to pressure you to do something you didn’t want to do? What happened?

- What three words would you use to describe the five (or so) friends you spend the most time with? Do you think those three words also describe you? Why or why not?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “However your friends might influence or even pressure you, you’re in charge of deciding what’s the right thing for you to do.” What does that mean?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 16 - Joining a new group of friends (Sam, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sam

Ep. 36 - Dealing with peer pressure (Ann, Age 9_

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ann-age-9-dealing-with-peer-pressure

Ep. 43 - Friend cut her hair! (Beatrix, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

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 is positive attention better than negative attention? (Hint: how do others react?) What are some things you do or could do to get positive attention from friends?

- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a friend was ignoring you? What happened? Did you ever learn why your friend was ignoring you? How did you handle it?

- What would it look like if you were trying to be enjoyable company for a friend? (Hint: What would you do or say?)

- When a friend has been distant lately, why is “I miss you!” a better message to communicate than “You’re mean! Stop ignoring me!”?

- Why is not speaking to someone a bad way to handle conflicts?

- How is ignoring someone different from taking a short break to calm yourself down?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

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

Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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’s the best celebration you’ve had for your birthday? What made it so special

- Which would you enjoy attending more: a big party with lots of kids or a small party with just a few kids? Why?

- Splitting your time by attending only part of each of two parties that were scheduled at the same time seems fair, but it may cause problems. What are the downsides of that solution? (Hint: think of how the birthday kid, other guests, and you might feel.)

- If a close friend invites you to their birthday party but you can’t attend, what are some things you can do to show that friend you care about them?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 110 - Being apart from a friend (Matilda, age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep110-being-apart-from-a-friend-matilda-age5 

Ep. 93 - Not invited to a party! (Alice, age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep93-alice-age-6-not-invited-to-a-party 

Ep. 60 - Friends invited but not him (Henry, age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

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 does it mean to be open to friendship? Why might kids sometimes NOT be open to friendship?

- Think of a time when you started a friendship. How did you and your friend show that you liked each other and were interested in becoming friends?

- Dr. Friendtastic mentioned two mistakes that kids can make in trying to be kind. What are they? Why are they mistakes? (Hint: How might they lead others to think or feel?)

- What are some signs that another kid wants to be friends with you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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. 67: Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who 

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

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

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:

- Sometimes kids try to hide what they think or feel because other kids are teasing them. Have you ever been in that situation? What do you think are some good ways to handle teasing?

- Why is it important to apologize when you’ve made a mistake with a friend? (Hint: What does the apology communicate to the friend?)

- Have you ever forgiven a friend for a mistake? Have you ever not been able to forgive a friend?

- Forgiving is not the same as forgetting. How are they different?

- What is self-forgiveness? Why is it important? How is self-forgiveness different from not caring about how your actions affect others?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep 107 - Secrets to self-control in friends (Alex, age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep107-secrets-to-self-control-in-friendship-and-life-alex

Ep 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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 been apart from a friend, maybe because they moved away, went on vacation, or were in a different class? How did that affect your friendship? What did you do to try to stay close?

- In general, how often do you like to get together with a friend? What do you think is the ideal length of time to hang out with a friend? Why do you like that timing?

- What are some ways that being apart can strengthen a friendship?

- What do you like to do when you can’t get together with a friend?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

Ep. 92 - What to say when a friend feels down (Mason, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep92-mason-age-13-what-to-say-when-a-friend-feels-down

Ep. 76 - Friends ditch her! (Anaya, Age 10)

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

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 is different between the current you vs you three or four years ago? What is still the same?

- What do you think it means to “be yourself”?

- In what situations have you felt less like yourself? Why?

- Why is just walking up to someone and telling them everything about you not a good strategy for making friends or fitting in? (Hint: How is that likely to feel if you did that?)

- When have you experienced the cozy kind of fitting in??

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 44 - Change self to make friends? (Vera, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friends

Ep. 95 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

Ep. 12 - Get rid of toxic friends? (Jessie, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

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 were you afraid of when you were younger but aren’t afraid of now? How did you become unafraid of that?

Think of a time when you felt anxious in a social situation. What thoughts were going through your mind (i.e., what were you afraid might happen)? How did you handle the situation?

Dr. Friendtastic said, “Feeling anxious can lead them to avoid social situations, but that guarantees they’re not going to build the friendships they want.” How could you explain that in your own words?

There are two main ways to cope with anxiety: Jump right in or go in toe-by-toe. Which do you generally pregfer and why?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 102 - How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep102-how-to-express-your-feelings-with-friends

Ep. 95 - Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep95-handling-embarrassing-moments-sara-age-7

Ep. 12 - Kid bullies him at recess (Adrian, Age 9)

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

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 having good friends makes it easier for kids to cope with stress? How has a friend been kind or helpful to you when you’ve had to deal with difficult situations?

- How can too much conflict hurt a friendship?

- Why do you think kids sometimes stick with a low-quality friendship (where there’s a lot of conflict and not much fun or closeness)?

- What are some examples of things you’ve done to support or care for a friend?

- Think of a time you had a friendship rough spot. How did you handle it?

- Dr. Friendtastic says that learning to be a good friend “is a step toward peace and justice in the world.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 97 - How and why to understand a friend’s feelings (Zoya, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep97-how-and-why-to-understand-a-friends

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

Ep. 44 - Change self to make friends? (Vera, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friends

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 able to do what was right even though you were tempted to do something else. How did you do that? What helped you have self-control?

- Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to have self-control?

- Dr. Friendtastic mentioned three strategies for self-control: 1) change the situation, 2) replace the behavior (do something else), and 3) use self-talk. Which do you think is the easiest strategy to use? Which have you found to be the most helpful?

- Think of an area in your life where you’d like to have more self-control. (Hint: It could be related to a bad habit you have or something you’ve done in the past that has caused problems in your relationships.) If you were going to use self-talk to give yourself a pep talk about doing the right thing in this area from now on, what would you say to yourself

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

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

Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

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 two situations involving other people where you act differently (e.g., at home vs. at school, with close friends vs. casual friends, at a party with friends vs. at a party with your grandparents). How and why do you act differently in these two situations?

- Not every friend will be a close friend. What are some good reasons to have casual friends?

- Have you ever felt uncomfortable around people you didn’t know well? What did you do? What could someone have done in that situation to help you feel more comfortable? Have you ever done that for someone else?

- Dr. Friendtastic often talks about many possible reasons why someone might have done something, other than trying to be mean. Why is this a good thing to do when you have a problem with a friend? (HINT: How might it affect how you respond?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 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

Ep. 60 - Friends invited but not him (Henry, Age 8) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

Ep. 26 - Friendship doesn't have to be all or nothing (Abigail, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

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 is it a good idea to think about your role in the problem when you’re mad at someone?

How do you decide whether to try to solve a problem on your own or get a grown-up involved?

What does assertiveness mean? Why does it matter in a friendship?

When you’re mad at a friend, why is it important to ask for what you want them to do from now on?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 96 - Dealing with a bossy friend (Grace, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/dealing-with-a-bossy-friend-grace

Ep. 93 - Not invited to the party! (Alice, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep93-alice-age-6-not-invited-to-a-party

Ep. 89 - Getting in trouble (Noah, Age 7)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep89-noah-age-7-getting-in-trouble

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:

- Play fighting or rough-and-tumble play can come in many forms: wrestling, tag, pretend sword fights, snowball fights… How do you feel about those? Why do some kids like play fighting?

- What are some differences between play fighting and real fighting?

- What are some good reasons to talk about a problem with a friend when it’s actually happening? What are some good reasons for discussing a problem at a neutral time, when it’s not happening?

- How and why should your goal shift if you’ve asked a kid to stop doing something, but they don’t stop? (HINT: What should you focus on, instead?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 99 - Best friend makes a big mistake! (Rosetta, Age 5)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep99-best-friend-makes-a-big-mistake-rosetta-age5

Ep. 74 - Friend hits her! (Aubrey, Age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep74-aubrey-age-6-friend-hits-her

Ep. 70 - Knowing when and how to stop (Owen, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep70-owen-age-8-stop-signals

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:

- Would you ever want to try phone booth stuffing? Why or why not?

- Why is it a good idea to discuss a problem with a friend privately (with just the two of you)? (Hint: how might “audience participation” make the situation worse?)

- Why do you think kids sometimes talk to a friend about a conflict they’re having with someone else? What are some ways that might be helpful? How could this make the problem worse?

- Who do you confide in when you feel overwhelmed by a conflict or other problem?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 83 - One friend feels left out (Eloise, Age 8)

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

Ep. 78 - How to confront a friend

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

Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

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 had an Octopus friend, someone who wanted to keep you all to themselves? How did you handle it?

- Why do you think trying to hold on tightly to a friend because you’re scared of losing them makes it more likely that you’ll lose them?

- Have you ever had a friendship where you liked the other person more than they liked you? How did you feel? What did you do?

- Having more than one friend can be tricky. How do you decide which friend(s) to play with and when?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 84 - Torn between two friends who don’t like each other (Jennifer, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep84-jennifer-age-10-torn-between-two-friends-who-dont-like-each-other

Ep. 4 - One friend feels left out (Thomas, Age 13)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f

Ep. 17 - Balancing a best friend and another friend (Sophie, Age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sophie

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!

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 is expressing both positive and negative feelings important for building a strong friendship?

- What are some unhelpful ways to express negative feelings? What should you do instead?

- Use the “I feel…when you… because… Please…” formula to create an example of how you might express negative feelings to a friend. Why is this a useful formula? (Hint: What information does it give your friend?)

- What are some reasons why kids sometimes have trouble expressing positive feelings to a friend? Why do they sometimes have trouble expressing negative feelings to a friend? (Hint: What are they be afraid might happen?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 67 - Choosing good friends (Paul, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

Ep. 45 - Gets angry at classmates (Reid, Age 5)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/reid-age-5-gets-angry-at-classmates

Ep. 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-friend

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.

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 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-friend

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

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:

- 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-friend

Ep. 38: Wondering how to be popular (Richard, age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/richard-age-11-wondering-how-to-be-popular

Ep. 75: Upset when he loses a game (Alex, age 10)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep75-alex-age-a10-upset-when-he-loses-a-game

Ep. 36: Dealing with peer pressure (Ann, age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ann-age-9-dealing-with-peer-pressure

Ep. 96: Dealing with a bossy friend (Grace, age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/dealing-with-a-bossy-friend-grace

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

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

Ep. 40: Friendly brother also acts wild (Vihaan, age 6)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vihaan-age-6-friendly-brother-acts-wild

Ep. 51: Mean comment said behind her back (Saoirse, age 8)

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

Ep. 35: Peers put down his interests (Ryan, age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ryan-age-11-peers-put-down-his-interests

Rosetta 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/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 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-her

Ep. 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-him

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

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-28-avni

Jessica wants to join a friend group, not not everyone is welcoming.

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 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

Zoya wants to know how to understand her friends' feelings.

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:

- 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-4b8

Ep. 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-friend

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

Grace's friend sometimes bosses her around! 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 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-kai

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

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

Ep. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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? 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:

- Would you rather hang out with just one friend or a group of friends? Why? 

- What are some ways that friend groups might influence you?

- Why is it sometimes hard for kids to stand up for what they want in a friendship group? (Hint: What might they be afraid could happen?)

- Dr. Friendtastic says that hiding how you feel can be unfair to you and to your friends. How is it unfair to you? How is it unfair to your friends?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 76 - Ayana, age 10: Friends ditch herhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep76-anaya-age-10-friends-ditch-her

Ep. 64 - Blake, age 13: Make friends with different interestshttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep64-blake

Ep. 48 - Lily, age 6: New friend claims to be best friendhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lily-age-6-new-friend-claims-to-be-best-friend

Jennifer wants to know what to do when two friends who don't like each other each want to be her partner.

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:

- A friendship tug-of-war happens when two friends each try to pull a friend in the middle to their side. How do you think the friends on each end feel? (Hint: Why are they pulling?) How do you think the friend in the middle feels?

- If you were in Jennifer’s situation, and two friends who didn’t like each other both wanted to partner with you, would you choose to work with one, work with both, or work with neither? Why would you choose that option?

- Do you prefer to pick your own partner for school projects or have the teacher assign partners? Why?

- What do you think are the qualities of a good work partner? Do you believe that you are a good work partner? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 13 - Mara, age 9: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-13-mara

Ep. 17 - Sophie, age 10: Balancing a best friend and another friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sophie

Ep. 47 - Brayden, age 9: Why are friends important? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/brayden-age-9-why-are-friends-important

Eloise wonders why best friends have bad fights.

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 had a big argument with a close friend? What happened?

- What do you think are some common topics friends argue about?

- What does it mean to “assume good intentions”? Why is this an important thing to do in a friendship?

- Why do you think kids sometime have trouble asking friends for what they want or need?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 1 - Naomi, age 7: Friendship ends over small thing https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-1

Ep. 53 - Lillian, age 11: How to stay calm when someone is bragging https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lillian-age-11-how-to-stay-calm-when

Ep. 73 - J.J., age 11: Best friend suddenly stops playing with him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

Paa wants to expand her friend group but how can she do that without hurting her best 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:

- Have you ever tried to expand your friend group? What did you do? How did it work?

- Dr. Friendtastic said that the easiest and kindest way Paa could expand her friend group is to invite her current best friend to be part of that goal. Why do you think that might be a good option?

- Why is inviting someone to do something fun with you outside of where you normally see them a good way to deepen a friendship? (Hint: What does that show them about how you feel about them?) 

- What are some ways you could show a friend that they matter to you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 4 - Thomas, Age 13: One friend feels left out https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f Ep. 13 - Mara, Age 9: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-13-mara Ep. 67 - Paul, Age 12: Choosing good friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

Nicoletta is worried about what to do when a friend begs her to keep a secret that could harm the 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:

- Tattling means trying to get someone in trouble. Telling means talking to an adult to prevent someone from being hurt or something from being broken. If Nicoletta decides to tell an adult about her friend’s secret, is that tattling or telling? Why?

- If you were in a situation like Nicoletta’s, who are the trusted adults in your life that you could go to for help?

- Why do kids sometimes NOT want to go to an adult when they’re having a serious problem? (Hint: Why do you imagine Nicoletta’s friend begged her not to tell her secret to anyone?)

- What could Nicoletta say to her friend if the friend gets mad at her for telling?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 1 - Naomi, Age 7: Friendship ends over small thing https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-1

Ep. 6 - Jayden, Age 9: Wondering why kids bully https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep6-why-kids-bully

Ep. 78 - How to confront a friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friend

Laina wonders how to deal with a manipulative friend. But what does that even mean?

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 had a friend who tried to get you to do something you didn’t want to do? What did the friend do? How did you handle it?

- What’s the difference between trying to manipulate someone and trying to influence them?

- Why is it NOT a good idea to tell someone that they’re a bad person? What could you do instead?

- Why is it useful to try to imagine someone else’s perspective, even (or especially) if you’re mad at them?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Your friend can’t actually MAKE you do anything you don’t want to do.” What does that mean?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 65 - Bridget, Age 14: Handling a controlling friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep65-bridget-age-14

Ep. 10 - Isaac, Age 7.5: Friend is disrespectful https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-10-isaac

Ep. 15 - Evie, Age 9: What is a close friend? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-15-evie

Mar wants to know how to recognize a fake 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:

- How would you define “being fake”? Why do you think kids sometimes act in ways that don’t match what they really think or feel?

- Why do kids sometimes act differently in different situations or with different people? Why is this NOT the same as being fake?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Every friendship, if it lasts long enough, is going to hit a rough spot.” What do you think are some good ways to move past a friendship rough spot?

- Have you ever had an unreliable friend–someone you felt you couldn’t count on? How did you handle this?

- What does it mean to trust a friend? Can you trust a friend who makes a mistake and says or does something unkind? Why or why not?

*** 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. 26 - Sam, Age 13: Joining a new group of friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sam

Ep. 34 - Chloe, Age 9: Upset by name-calling https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/chloe-age-9-upset-by-name-calling

What can you say when a friend does something that upsets you? How do you get your message across without wrecking the friendship?

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 does it mean to confront a friend about a problem? Have you ever had to do that? What happened?

- How do you decide when to confront a friend about a problem and when to let it go? 

- Why do you think kids are sometimes afraid to confront a friend about a problem?

- Why are refusing to talk to a friend and telling everyone except your friend what your friend did wrong NOT helpful strategies for solving a problem with a friend? What could you do instead?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “A good confrontation is not about…proving you’re good and they’re bad! It’s about building and repairing a friendship.” What does that mean?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 73 - J.J., Age 11: Best friend suddenly stops playing with him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him

Ep. 43 - Beatrix, Age 8: Friend cuts her hair! https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

Ep. 65 - Bridget, Age 14: Handling a controlling friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep65-bridget-age-14

Maya wonders what to do when she notices her friend being nicer to someone else than to her. Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 online workshop announcements.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “A friend is not a birthday cake!” What does she mean by that? (Hint: Think about the difference between dividing a cake versus sharing a friend.)

- Have you ever felt jealous of a friend’s other friend? How did you handle that?

- What are some things you do to strengthen your friendships?

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic say, “It’s not smart to have a ‘best friends or nothing’ attitude”? How could that attitude hurt you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep 71 – Tali, Age 11 Is she a friend or not? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep71-tali-age-11-is-she-a-friend-or-not

Ep. 4 - Thomas, Age 13: One friend feels left out https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f

Ep. 51 – Saoirse, Age 8: Mean comment said behind her back https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saoirse-age-8-mean-comment-said-behind

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.

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 easy-to-read TRANSCRIPTS, 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!

SAMPLE EPISODES:

Ep. 44 – Vera, Age 8: Change self to make friends?https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friends

Ep. 57 – Zen, Age 6: Avoiding Conflicthttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep57-zen-age-6-avoiding-conflict

Ep. 55 – Blaire, Age 12: Say no without feeling badhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/blaire-age-12-say-no-without-feeling

Anaya wonders what to do when friends leave her behind. Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 online workshop announcements.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- How do you think Ayana felt when the other kids ditched her? Has anything like that ever happened to you? How did you handle it?

- Dr. Friendtastic says telling on the kids who ditched her probably won’t be helpful for Ayana. Do you agree? Why or why not? How do you decide when it’s a good idea to tell on someone?

- Mistakes and misunderstandings happen in every friendship. How do you decide whether to try to work things out with old friends or look for different friends?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “We can’t control what other people do; we can only control what we do.” What does this mean in Ayana’s case? (Hint: Can she make the other kids want to play with her?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 60 – Henry, Age 8: Friends invited but not him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

Ep. 74 – Aubrey, Age 6: Friend hits her https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep74-aubrey-age-6-friend-hits-her

Ep. 69 – Phoebe, Age 6: Friends exclude her https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/phoebe-age-6-friends-get-together

Like a lot of kids, Alex has trouble coping with losing a game.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 online workshop announcements.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think some kids have trouble handling losing a game? (Hint: How does losing make them think or feel?)

- What would you say to comfort a friend who was upset about losing a game

- Adults often tell kids, “It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you play the game.” What do you think that means?

- What are some things kids need to do or not do to be a good sport?

- What is your favorite game to play? What do you like about that game?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 7 – Emma, Age 11: Friend is a poor sport https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep7-poor-sport-friend

Ep. 53 – Lillian, Age 11: How to stay calm when someone is bragging https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lillian-age-11-how-to-stay-calm-when

Ep. 66 – Adeline, Age 8: Friends don't invite her https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/adeline-age-8-friends-dont-invite

Aubrey wants to know what to do about a friend who hits her.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 online workshop announcements.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- School-age kids know they shouldn’t hit people, so why do you think they sometimes do?

- If someone hits you, why is hitting them back likely to make the situation worse? What could you do instead?

- If a friend did something you didn’t like, how would you decide whether to try to talk about it and work things out or end the friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “The best time to talk about a problem is when people are NOT extremely upset.” Why is that true? (Hint: What’s likely to happen if you try to talk to someon about a problem when you or they are extremely upset?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 59 – Jessie, Age 13: Get rid of toxic friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

Ep. 6 – Jayden, Age 9: Why do kids bully? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep6-why-kids-bully

Ep. 62 – All About Forgiveness https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep62-all-about-forgiveness

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.

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 online workshop announcements.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why is suddenly cutting someone off and refusing to speak with them NOT a good way to deal with conflicts?

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic focus on what J.J. can do to move forward rather than what J.J.’s best friend did wrong? (Hint: Whose actions is J.J. in charge of?)

- Have you ever apologized to a friend? If so, why? How did the friend respond?

- Why is it sometimes hard for kids to apologize?

- What are some ways to apologize well? What are some examples of a not-so-good apology?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 68 – Maya, Age 6: Friend runs away from her https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/maya-age-6-friend-runs-away-from

Ep. 60 – Henry, Age 8: Friends invited but not him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

Ep. 71 – Tali, Age 11: Is she a friend or not? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep71-tali-age-11-is-she-a-friend-or-not

Nora wants to know what she can do to make friends when she's starting at a new school.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Think of a time when you started a friendship. What happened? Who reached out first, you or the other kid? How did you and your friend show each other that you were open to friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Friendships take time to grow.” What does that mean? (Hint: Why do you NOT have to worry if you’re not instantly close friends with someone?)

- What’s one example of something kind you’ve done for another kid? How did that kid react?

- Why is it usually not a good idea to read a book at lunch or recess? (Hint: What message does that send other kids?)

- Why is it important to try to learn other kids’ names?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 63 - Rosie, age 5 3/4: Friend wants all her attention https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep63-rosie-age-5

Ep. 16 - Sam, age 13: Joining a new group of friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sam

Ep. 44 - Vera, age 8: Change self to make friends? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vera-age-8-change-self-to-make-friends

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- How does a close friendship differ from a casual friendship?

- Why do you think kids sometimes stick with a not-so-kind friend?

- What does it mean to you to be a “Steady-Warm Friend”?

- Everybody makes mistakes. How would you decide if a friendship is worth continuing after a friend does something you don’t like?

- What are some ways you could use good communication to handle a friendship rough spot or conflict?  

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 1 - Naomi, age 7: Friendship ends over small thing https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-1

Ep. 67 - Paul, age 12: Choosing good friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who

Ep. 15 - Evie, age 9: What is a close friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-15-evie

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why are Stop Signals important for protecting friendships? (Hint: What could happen if you want a friend to stop doing something, but you don’t say anything? What could happen if your friend gives you a Stop Signal and you ignore it?) 

- Describe a time when a friend asked you to stop doing something. How did you feel about being asked to stop? How did you respond? 

- Describe a time when you wanted a friend to stop doing something. How did you handle it? How did your friend respond?

- Why do you think kids sometimes ignore Stop Signals?

- What are some things you could do if you ask someone to stop but they don’t listen? 

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 41 - Tessa, Age 9: Friends won't listen to stop or no https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tessa-age-9-boundaries

Ep. 18 – Kai, Age 9: Friends call him bossy https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kai

Ep. 43 - Beatrix, Age 8: Friend cut her hair! https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

Phoebe feels excluded when her friends hang out without her.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever felt left out? How did you handle it?

- Why is it unfair (and unkind) to insist, “I’ll only be your friend if you never do anything without me!”?

- Why is it sometimes worth keeping an imperfect friendship with someone who is usually kind and fun?

- Dr. Friendtastic said that doing activities together, inviting someone over, or saying, “I’d love to do that with you sometime!” could be good ways to deepen a friendship. What have you done to try to become closer friends with someone?

- Why might adding a fourth friend to the group be helpful?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 26 - Abigail, Age 10 - Friendship doesn't have to be all or nothing https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

Ep. 8 - Blake, Age 11: Excluded by friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-1b6

Ep. 66 - Adeline, Age 8: Friends don't invite her https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/146810575/b3524087ba7d2f24c11daf518984e212.mp3

Maya wonders how to handle a friend who runs away and ignores her.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever been in a situation like Maya’s, where someone was running away from you? Have you ever run away from someone? What happened? 

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic suggest NOT chasing a friend who is running away (unless it’s a fun game of tag!)? (Hint: What should you look for in a friendship?)

- Why do you think kids sometimes avoid discussing problems? How might that hurt a friendship? What could friends do to make problem discussions easier? (Hint: What are things you could say or avoid saying to make a conflict less painful?)

- Why might it be a good idea for the person who is LEAST wrong to apologize first?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 32 - Tara, Age 12: Friend is pulling away https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-32-tara

Ep. 45 - Reid, Age 5: Gets angry at classmates https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/reid-age-5-gets-angry-at-classmates

Ep. 60 - Henry, Age 8: Friends invited but not him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

Paul asks how to find the right friends to surround himself with.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What are some ways that you’ve been influenced by your friends? Do you think that influence has been positive (good for you) or negative (bad for you)? Why? 

- Have you ever been in a situation where a friend tried to pressure you to do something you didn't want to do? What happened?

- What three words would you use to describe the five (or so) friends you spend the most time with? Do you think those three words also describe you? Why or why not?

- Dr. Friendtastic said, “However your friends might influence or even pressure you, you’re in charge of deciding what’s the right thing for you to do.” What does that mean?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 16 - Sam, Age 13: Joining a new group of friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sam

Ep. 36 - Ann, Age 9: Dealing with peer pressure https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ann-age-9-dealing-with-peer-pressure

Ep. 43 - Beatrix, Age 8: Friend cut her hair! https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever had a controlling friend? If so, why do you think your friend was trying to control you? How did you handle it?

- Has anyone ever told you that you were being bossy or controlling? If so, what happened? What are some signs that you might be pushing a friend too hard and need to stop?

- Rigid thinkers tend to believe that there is “one right way” to do things. How could that hurt a friendship? (Hint: How might a friend feel if they want to do things differently?)

- What does it mean to “agree to disagree”? Why is it sometimes good to do this in a friendship?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 60 - Henry, Age 8: Friends invited but not him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-drfriendtastic-ep60-henry-age-8

Ep. 39 - Maya, Age 8: Replaced by a friend's new friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/maya-age-8-replaced-by-a-friends

Ep. 26 - Abigail, Age 10: Friendship doesn't have to be all or nothing https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

Bridget wonders how to deal with a friend who is being controlling.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever had a controlling friend? If so, why do you think your friend was trying to control you? How did you handle it?

- Has anyone ever told you that you were being bossy or controlling? If so, what happened? What are some signs that you might be pushing a friend too hard and need to stop?

- Rigid thinkers tend to believe that there is “one right way” to do things. How could that hurt a friendship? (Hint: How might a friend feel if they want to do things differently?)

- What does it mean to “agree to disagree”? Why is it sometimes good to do this in a friendship?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 59 - Jessie, Age 13: Get rid of toxic friends? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

Ep. 18 - Kai, Age 9: Building great leadership skills https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kai

Ep. 41 - Tessa, Age 9: Friends won't listen to stop or no https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tessa-age-9-boundaries

Blake wants to know how to make friends with kids who have different interests than he does.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What interest or activity do you enjoy that has helped you (or could help you) make friends?

- Why is pretending to be interested in something when you’re not a bad strategy for trying to make friends? (Hint: How might other kids react when they find out that you’re just pretending to be interested?)

- Have you ever picked up a new interest or activity because a friend likes it? What happened? 

- If you want to pick up a new interest, why is it a good idea to try to learn about it a bit on your own, instead of just asking people about it?

What is the difference between being friendly versus being friends with someone

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 15 - Evie, Age 9: What is a close friend? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-15-evie

Ep. 49 - Charlotte, Age 8: Feeling different and rejected https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/charlotte-age-8-feeling-different

Ep. 35 - Ryan, Age 11: Peers put down his interestshttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ryan-age-11-peers-put-down-his-interests

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think kids sometimes have trouble sharing a friend with other friends? 

- Have you ever been in a situation like Rosie’s, either as the friend who didn’t want to share a friend or the friend who wanted to play with other kids? What happened? How did you handle it?

- Why is it a good idea to try to imagine why a friend might be doing what they’re doing, especially when we don’t like what they’re doing? (Hint: How are you likely to feel and act toward the friend when you can understand their perspective?)

- Would you respond differently to hearing “I like you, AND I want to play with other friends” versus “I like you, BUT I want to play with other friends”? Why or why not?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 13 - Mara, Age 9: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-13-mara

Ep. 16 - Sam, Age 13: Joining a new group of friends 

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-16-sam

Ep. 26 - Abigail, Age 10: Friendship doesn't have to be all or nothing

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-26-abigail

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Think of a time when you’ve forgiven someone for doing something that hurt or upset you. What happened? Why did you decide to forgive them?

Dr. Friendtastic said, “Holding onto bitterness and resentment hurts us more than anyone else.” What does that mean?

How is forgiving someone different than letting someone be mean to you? (Hint: It has to do with how you think about them and what you say to them.)

One of the forgiveness guidelines Dr. Friendtastic mentioned is: If it happened more than a month ago, definitely let it go! Do you agree with that guideline? Why or why not? 

Why is it sometimes easier to forgive other people than to forgive ourselves?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 59 - Jessie, Age 13: Get rid of toxic friends? https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13

Ep. 43 - Beatrix, Age 8: Friend cut her hair! https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/beatrix-age-8-friend-cuts-her-hair

Ep. 14 - Rowan, Age 12: Feeling guilty, wanting to make up with a friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-14-rowan

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.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think it’s sometimes harder for kids to get along with a sibling than a friend?

- When a kid does something that annoys us, it’s tempting to do the same thing–or something worse–right back to them. Why is this usually not a good idea? (HINT: Why do both kids lose in a “contest” of who can be meanest?)

- Dr. Friendtastic said “If you’ve asked a sibling [or other kid] to stop two times, and they haven’t listened, they’re probably not going to listen,” so your goal should shift “to taking care of yourself.” How could you do that?

- Do you think it’s easiest to be an only child, an oldest sibling, a youngest sibling, or a middle sibling? Why?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

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

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

Ep. 31 - Mila, Age 10: When someone tries to be annoying

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-31-mila

Ep. 40 - Vihan, Age 6: Friendly brother also acts wild

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/vihaan-age-6-friendly-brother-acts-wild

What should Henry do when a kid invites his friends to play but not him?

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why do you think kids sometimes exclude other kids?

- Have you ever felt excluded? What happened? How did you respond?

- Why is it not a good idea to beg or bribe another kid to include you?

- What do you think of the rule “You can’t say someone can’t play”? Are there any situations where it’s OK to exclude someone? What could you do if someone was wrecking the game, being too rough, or refusing to follow the rules? How could you handle it if lots of kids wanted to play a game that’s only for a few people?

- Being “the boss” can be fun and exciting. What could someone do to be a “good boss” or a true leader? (Hint: What could a leader do or not do to make the people who are getting directions feel good?)

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 4 - Thomas, Age 13: One friend feels left out

Ep. 8 - Blake, Age 11: Excluded by friends

Ep. 39 - Maya, Age 8: Replaced by a friend’s new friend

Jessie wants to get out of some painful relationships.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever wanted to end a friendship? What happened?

- In your own words, how would you explain this comment from Dr. Friendtastic? “I don’t believe people can be poison [toxic]. What I do believe is that sometimes people get into patterns of interacting that are hurtful for one or both of them.”

- How is a friendship like an old-fashioned dance, where people hold onto each other? What are some ways you could change a friendship dance if you didn’t like what was happening?

- Why is it not a good idea to suddenly stop talking to a friend, with no explanation?

Keara wonders what to do to keep a friend safe.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever been in a situation where you thought a friend was in danger? What happened? How did you handle it?

- What are some reasons why kids sometimes do things that are unsafe?

- Safety is important, but sometimes kids can be too careful, meaning they don’t want to do things if there’s even a tiny possibility of danger or discomfort. What do you think would be an example of being too careful? How could being too careful be a problem?

- Dr. Friendtastic says, “Preventing dangerous situations is usually easier than dealing with them after they’ve happened.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

- Why might standing near a teacher or a group of friends be useful for preventing problems with someone who is acting too rough?

Zen wants to know how to avoid conflicts, but what if conflicts are sometimes helpful?

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Describe a conflict you had with a friend. What happened? What was your friend’s point of view and what was yours? How did the conflict affect your friendship?

- Dr. Friendtastic says that conflict can be a way for friends to learn about each other. What does that mean?

- When might it be a good idea to give in and do what your friend wants, even though it isn’t exactly what you want? When is it NOT a good idea to do this?

- Why is it important to try to understand what a friend is thinking or feeling? (Hint: What could happen if we just insist on what we want?)

- What are some things you can do or not do to make conflicts with a friend less painful?

Diego wants to know what he can do to make friends.

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Think of a time when you had to make new friends. What did you do? How did other kids respond?

- Why does Dr. Friendtastic emphasize trying to make friends with kids who like to do the same things you like to do?  

- Why do you think some kids only want to be friends with the most popular kids? What are some possible problems with this approach to friendship?  

- What do you think it means to show that you’re open to friendship? What are some ways to do this? What actions would signal that you’re NOT open to friendship?  

- Why is it a good thing to invite someone to get together with you, even if they say no, they can’t because they’re busy? (Hint: What message do you give the other kid with your invitation?)

Blaire feels bad about saying no to friends. How can she think about things differently?

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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 posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Think of a time you had to say no to a friend. What happened? How hard or easy was it for you to say no? How did your friend react? 

- Why is it important to say no to friends sometimes? How can saying no help a friendship? How can NOT saying no sometimes hurt a friendship? 

- Why do you think kids are sometimes nervous or uncomfortable about saying no to a friend? 

- What could you say if a friend is disappointed or annoyed when you say no? 

- When is it okay to say yes to a friend, even if it’s not exactly what you want?