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
Discover shows related to Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship Advice for Kids (K-8), based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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.)
- If a friend is sometimes kind and sometimes mean, would you give more importance to their kind actions or their mean ones? Why?
- Sometimes kids act mean because they don’t like someone, but that’s not the only possible reason. What are some other reasons why they might do something mean?
- Why does Dr. Friendtastic recommend talking to a friend privately (when it’s just the two of you) when you have a friendship rough spot? (Hint: How could having other people around make it harder to solve things?)
- Why is being mean not a good way to deal with a friendship rough spot?
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.)
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.)
– 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?
Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at
Not picked to play on team (Charlie, Age 9)
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • Duration 07:03
Re-release of Ep. 125 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Adding to the fun | Friendship advice for kids
FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
- 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?)
Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at
How to deal with friendship drama (Serena, Age 11) | 162
Episode 162
Saturday, September 19, 2026 • Duration 06:37
Ep. 162 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Prevent conflict from exploding into drama | Friendship advice for kids
FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends
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.)
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.)
- 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?
Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at
How to say no to a friend without feeling bad (Blaire, Age 12)
Saturday, September 5, 2026 • Duration 05:38
Re-release of Ep. 55 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Saying no can save a friendship | Friendship advice for kids
FREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friends
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.)
- 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?
Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at
- What does “fishing for compliments” mean? Why is it NOT a good idea?
- If you were feeling uncertain or unconfident about yourself and wanted some reassurance from a friend, what could you say to ask for that reassurance?
- If a friend criticizes themselves, how could you figure out if it’s just temporary upset, a bad habit, or a serious problem? How would you respond to each of these?
*** You might also like these podcast episodes:
Ep. 92 - What to say when a friend is feeling down (Mason. Age 13)
– 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 prefer and why?
- 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)
- 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)
Details about Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship Advice for Kids (K-8), a podcast by Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author, psychologist, focusing on children's feelings, children's friendships, parenting, mental health.
