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
Showing openness to friendship
How saying no can save a friendship
Showing up for friends the way they want
Knowing the difference between bragging and sharing good news
Winning over adults
Dealing with hearsay
Beyond the Magnet Myth of Friendship
Bridging differences by building connections
Attraction versus closeness
Friends matter. Here’s why.
"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
