Expand friend group without hurting best friend (Paa, Age 12)

Expand friend group without hurting best friend (Paa, Age 12)

Author: Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author, psychologist, focusing on children's feelings, children's friendships, parenting, mental health. November 16, 2024 Duration: 4:38

Ep. 82 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How to make new friends and keep the old.

Paa wants to expand her friend group but how can she do that without hurting her best friend?

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.

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*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Have you ever tried to expand your friend group? What did you do? How did it work?

- Dr. Friendtastic said that the easiest and kindest way Paa could expand her friend group is to invite her current best friend to be part of that goal. Why do you think that might be a good option?

- Why is inviting someone to do something fun with you outside of where you normally see them a good way to deepen a friendship? (Hint: What does that show them about how you feel about them?) 

- What are some ways you could show a friend that they matter to you?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 4 - Thomas, Age 13: One friend feels left out https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-episode-71f Ep. 13 - Mara, Age 9: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-13-mara Ep. 67 - Paul, Age 12: Choosing good friends https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/paul-age-12-choosing-friends-who



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

In Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship Advice for Kids (K-8), real children from kindergarten through eighth grade send in their questions about the tricky, wonderful, and sometimes confusing world of friendships. Each week, Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore-a clinical psychologist and author known as Dr. Friendtastic-responds with a thoughtful, practical answer designed just for young listeners. The conversations in this podcast get straight to the heart of what kids experience: navigating arguments, feeling left out, trying to make a new friend, or figuring out how to be a good one themselves. Eileen Kennedy-Moore draws on her deep expertise in children's feelings and social development to offer actionable advice that respects a child's perspective. The format is brief and engaging, with each episode lasting about five minutes, making it an easy listen for a car ride or quiet moment. This isn't about lectures; it's about giving kids the tools and confidence to handle social situations with kindness and resilience. Parents and educators often find the discussions helpful, too, as the podcast naturally opens doors for deeper conversations about emotions and relationships. By focusing on real questions from real kids, the podcast creates a genuine connection, assuring young listeners that their friendship worries are normal and solvable. Tune in weekly to hear compassionate guidance that turns everyday social puzzles into opportunities for growth and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friendship Advice for Kids (K-8)
Podcast Episodes
Not picked to play on team (Charlie, Age 9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
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Best friend playing with someone else (Metis, Age 6) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:59
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Having friends of different ages (Oliver, Age 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:13
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Best friends are all taken?! (Sadie, Age 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:59
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BONUS Episode: Jealousy and Openness - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:20
Hi there,Jealousy & Openness Part 2 is now available, wrapping up the theme I hosted this week in the Big Emotions series.This episode focuses on practical strategies that kids can use when jealousy shows up in their fri…
BONUS Episode: Jealousy and Openness - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
Hi there,I’m hosting this week’s theme in the Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings series! Jealousy & Openness Part 1 is available now, and I'm honored to guide the conversation around some of the most comple…