

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

Mar 22, 2025 • 6min
Dealing with a Bossy Friend (Grace, Age 9)
Ep. 96 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Moving past a Yes-No argumentGrace's friend sometimes bosses her around! What can she do?FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Why do you think kids sometimes act in bossy ways?- Why is it okay if a parent or teacher tells you what to do but annoying if another kid tells you what to do?- What is a Yes-No Argument? Why is it not useful? - What are some ways to present your ideas without coming across as bossy?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 18 - Building great leadership skills (Kai, Age 9)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-18-kaiEp. 83 - Fights with close friends (Eloise, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/eloise-age-8-fights-with-close-friendsEp. 71 - Is she a friend or not? (Tali, Age 11)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep71-tali-age-11-is-she-a-friend-or-not Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 15, 2025 • 5min
Handling embarrassing moments (Sara, Age 7)
Ep. 95 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 3 types of embarrassmentSara wishes she could never feel embarrassed!FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Think of a time when you felt embarrassed. What happened? How did you handle it?- What does it mean to “own your mistakes”? What is one way to do this?- Why is it sometimes uncomfortable for kids to be the center of attention? (Hint: What might they be afraid will happen?)- Why is it important not to argue or make excuses if someone gives you a compliment? What should you do instead?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 22 - Managing your social reputation (Scarlet, Age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-22-scarlettEp. 52 - Friend's parents don't like him (Tyler, Age 12)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dontEp. 49 - Feeling different and rejected (Charlotte, Age 8)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/charlotte-age-8-feeling-different Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 8, 2025 • 6min
Before you confront a friend | Friendship advice for kids
Ep. 94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Two questions to ask yourself before discussing a problem with a friend.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Think of a time when you felt mad at a friend. How did you handle it? How did your friend respond?- What are some reasons why it’s not a good idea to yell at a friend, even if you’re mad?- Why is not speaking at all a bad way to solve friendship problems?- How can talking to other kids about a problem with a friend make a problem bigger? How is that different than asking an adult for advice?*** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 78 - How to confront a friendhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friendEp. 24 - Fake friends versus real friends (Olivia, age 13)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-oliviaEp. 57 - Avoiding conflict (Zen, age 6)https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep57-zen-age-6-avoiding-conflict Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 1, 2025 • 6min
Not invited to a party! (Alice, Age 6)
Ep. 94 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: What we can control and what we can’tAlice wonders what to do when her good friend doesn't invite her to a party.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Have you ever felt left out? What happened? How did you handle it? - Why is it hard to try to imagine someone else’s point of view when we’re mad at them? Why is it important to do that anyway? - Dr. Friendtastic mentioned some reasons why Alice’s friend might not have invited her, such as a small guest list or a recent argument. What are some other possible reasons the friend might not have invited her? - If you were in Alice’s situation, and a good friend didn’t invite you to a party, would that be a friendship ender for you or do you think you would try to work things out? *** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 52 - Tyler, Age 12: Friend's parents don't like him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dont Ep. 24 - Olivia, Age 13: Some friendships have limits https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-24-olivia Ep. 90 - Alma, Age 7: Friend breaks a promise https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promise Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 22, 2025 • 5min
What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason, Age 13)
Ep. 92 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Supportive vs. unsupportive responses to a sad friend Mason wants to know what to say to a friend who is feeling down that won't make the friend feel worse! FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Think of a time when you were feeling down and someone tried to comfort you. What did they do? How did it make you feel? - Why is saying, “I had something even worse happen to me!” not usually a caring thing to say? - Dr. Friendtastic says, “Any advice that begins with the words, “You should just…” is probably wrong.” Do you agree? Why or why not? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 90 - Alma, Age 7: Friend breaks a promise https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promise Ep. 86 - Sally, Age 14: How to know if you can trust a friend https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep86-sally-age-14-how-to-know-if-you-can-trust-a-friend Ep. 73 - J.J., Age 11: Best friend stops playing with him https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 15, 2025 • 7min
Arguments with a friend (Kenna & Scarlett, Age 8)
Ep. 91 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: This important assumption helps you move past a friendship rough spot Kenna and Scarlett, who want to know what to do when they start arguing. FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Think of an argument that you had with a friend recently. How did you resolve it? Was the solution fair to both of you? Why or why not? - Why do you think friends sometimes argue more than nonfriends? - Dr. Friendtastic said, “The louder you yell, the harder it is for people to hear you.” What does that mean? (Hint: How do other people feel if you yell at them?) - How could telling your friend (honestly) “That makes sense” or “I can see why that matters to you” help the two of you resolve an argument? (Hint: what do you need to do before you can say statements like that?) *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 90 - Alma, Age 7: Friend breaks a promisehttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep90-alma-age-7-friend-breaks-a-promiseEp. 86 - Sally, Age 14: How to know if you can trust a friendhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep86-sally-age-14-how-to-know-if-you-can-trust-a-friendEp. 73 - J.J., Age 11: Best friend stops playing with himhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 8, 2025 • 6min
Friend breaks a promise (Alma, Age 7)
Ep. 90 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Why friends sometimes let us downAlma wants to know what to do about a friend who broke her promiseFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098f Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast? SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.) For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/ Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com. Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents. *** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- What are the three steps of the angry person formula?- Why is it a good idea to show someone who is angry with you that you understand (at least part of) their concern? (Hint: How are they likely to respond?)- What do you think is likely to happen if you argue with someone who is angry with you and tell them all the things they do wrong?- The last part of the angry person formula is about putting your words into action. Why is that important? (Hint: What does it show the angry person?)- Think of a time when you were angry with someone. How did they respond? How do you wish they had responded? *** You might also like these podcast episodes: Ep. 5 - Edith, Age 8: Friend doesn't do what I want https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-af3 Ep. 10 - Isaac, Age 7.5: Friend is disrespectful https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-10-isaac Ep. 83 - Eloise, Age 8: Fights with close friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/eloise-age-8-fights-with-close-friends Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 1, 2025 • 6min
Getting in trouble (Noah, Age 7)
Ep. 89 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to deal with an angry personNoah is frustrated that he got in trouble. How can he handle it?FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- What are 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 himhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/tyler-age-12-friends-parents-dontEp. 78 - How to confront a friendhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep78-how-to-confront-a-friendEp. 28 - Avni, Age 11: Dealing with spill-over angerhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-28-avni Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 25, 2025 • 4min
How to support an injured friend (Sophia, Age 7)
Ep. 88 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Practical support, emotional support, and the importance of on-going support.Sophia wants to know how to support a friend who has broken her leg.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Think of a time when you 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-oliviaEp. 33 - Richard, Age 11: Best ways to show empathyhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-33-richardEp. 37 - Saanvi, Age 12: What's the right gift for a friend?https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saanvi-age-12-whats-the-right-gift Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 18, 2025 • 5min
People passing notes about her (Leni, Age 9)
Ep. 87 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Figuring out what we can and can’t control.Leni feels hurt and angry that kids are passing notes about her. What can she do?FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it’s not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books and webinars at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- Why do you think kids sometimes 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 herhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep76-anaya-age-10-friends-ditch-herEp. 51 - Saorise, Age 8: Mean comment said behind her backhttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/saoirse-age-8-mean-comment-said-behindEp. 35 - Ryan, Age 11: Peer put down his interestshttps://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ryan-age-11-peers-put-down-his-interests Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe