Épisodes

  • Can he be friends with people who don’t like him? (John, Age 8)
    Jan 31 2026

    Ep. 133 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Say no to one-way friendships | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    5 min
  • Friend won’t talk about problem (Monet, Age 9)
    Jan 24 2026

    Ep. 132- Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Finding the right words in a conflict | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    6 min
  • They have lots of playdates, and he doesn’t (Matthew, Age 7)
    Jan 17 2026

    Ep. 131 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Giving versus getting as a friend | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    7 min
  • Should she quit the team? (Summer, Age 9)
    Jan 10 2026

    Ep. 130 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Ways to contribute to a team | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    6 min
  • Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9)
    Jan 3 2026

    Ep. 129 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Big friendship break-up, slow fade, or something else? | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    7 min
  • When you cry easily (Beth, Age 6)
    Dec 13 2025

    Ep. 128 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: 5 Things to Do When You Feel Like Crying But Don't Want To | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    8 min
  • Friend wants space (Sloane, Age 6)
    Dec 7 2025

    Ep. 127 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Closeness vs. separateness in friendship | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    7 min
  • The Right Gift for a Friend (Saanvi, Age 12)
    Nov 29 2025

    Re-release Ep. 37 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: The Joy of Giving | Friendship advice for kids

    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



    Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe
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    6 min