Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic is a weekly, 5-minute podcast for kids about making and keeping friends. Each episode features an audio recording of a question about friendship from a kid plus a practical and thought-provoking answer.
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, also known as Dr. Friendtastic, is an author and clinical psychologist based in Princeton, NJ, and a trusted expert on children's feelings and friendships.
TEACHERS: For a quick and easy friendship lesson, play a podcast episode up to the end of the kid question, then ask students what advice they'd give. Play Dr. Friendtastic's answer, then use the discussion questions to deepen students' understanding.
Not signing up for more of the same.
Kids, do you have a question you’d like Dr. Friendtastic to answer?
Ask your grown-up to use their smartphone's memo function or an audio app to record your question. Hold the phone close to your mouth to make sure the recording is clear. Say:
1) your first name (or a first name)
2) your age
3) a brief question or concern about friendship. (Please don’t mention any friends' names.)
Your grown-up can use the button below or email the audio file to DrF@EileenKennedyMoore.com. Dr. Friendtastic will answer as many questions as possible. (If you have a very upsetting or emergency situation, please tell a trusted adult you know.)
Figuring out whose opinion matters to you
How to tell the difference between friendly and unfriendly teasing
Understanding the difference between fitting in and belonging
Dealing with an Octopus Friend
Different points of view
Watch then blend to join a group. Adeline wishes her friends would invite her to play during recess, but she doesn’t have to wait for an invitation.
What’s behind a friend wanting to control you? Bridget wonders how to deal with a friend who is being controlling.
Building real connections to make friends Blake wants to know how to make friends with kids who have different interests than he does.
Using “and” instead of “but” to expand beyond one friend. Rosie wonders why her friend doesn’t want her to play with anyone else, and what she can do about it.
How to forgive friends who have hurt us.
Getting along with sibling
Dealing with being excluded
Dumping a friend or working things out by changing the dance?
Safety first
The upside of disagreements
"My 8-year-old listens to all of your Dr Friendtastic podcasts and LOVES them! She is always asking to play them again and if there are any new ones. They are fantastic." - Jen
"I teared up on this [episode]–knowing if you are becoming a friend is hard if you are 5, 15, 25, 35, etc. Thank you for this awesome podcast." - Cara Goodwin, PhD, writes Parenting Translator newsletter
"We listen to it on the way to school every week. Both of my kids (10 yr old and 8 yr old) listen to it attentively. What a much-needed podcast. Please keep them coming." - Leila
"Honestly, the kids ask questions that are so relevant for ALL ages that I can’t help but read eagerly to see how I can apply it to myself." - Sri Juneja, writes Readable Moments Book Club newsletter
