Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9) | 140

Friend lies and boasts (Martha, Age 9) | 140

Author: Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author, psychologist, focusing on children's feelings, children's friendships, parenting, mental health. March 21, 2026 Duration: 6:29

Ep. 140 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: When a friend tries to seem better than she is | 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 are three truths and a lie about you? (Also explain which statement is not true and why.)

- Would you like to have a Flemish Giant rabbit for a pet? Why or why not? (Look up a picture of them if you’re not sure.)

- What are some reasons why kids might lie? Why does Dr. Friendtastic think Martha’s friend might be lying?

- How might lying to impress friends backfire? (Hint: How will friends feel if they find out they’ve been tricked?)

- When someone says something that’s not true, how can you tell if they’re lying, playing, or just mistaken?

*** You might also like these podcast episodes:

Ep. 53 - How to stay calm when someone is bragging (Lillian, Age 11)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/lillian-age-11-how-to-stay-calm-when

Ep. 20 - Lying friend (Anna, Age 9)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep-20-anna

Ep. 115 - Her lies hurt her friendship (Sofia, Age 8)

https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep115-her-lies-hurt-her-friendships-sofia-age8



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
What does it mean to be yourself? (Charlotte, Age 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:17
Ep. 109:Two kinds of fitting in | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR.…
What scares you? (Katie, Age 8) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:23
Ep. 108: Strategies for facing fears | Friendship advice for kidsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO…
Secrets to self-control in friendship and life (Alex, Age 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:50
Ep. 107: Strategies for making wise choices FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at…
Friend acts different when others aren’t around (Charlotte, Age 7) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:28
Ep. 106: Different Kinds of FriendsFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://D…
What to do when a friend is being mean (Isla, Age 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:17
Ep. 105 How to speak up for yourselfFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://…
Friend plays too rough (Liam, Age 9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:25
Ep. 104 Pretend fighting vs. real fightingFREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at ht…
Friends butt into conflict with other friend (Grace, Age 8) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:29
Ep. 103 - Dealing with Nosy Friends FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://…
How to Deal with an Octopus Friend (Mara, Age 9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:02
Re-release of Ep. 13 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Friend doesn't want her to have other friends (Mara, Age 9)FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be…
How to express your feelings with friends (Aida, Age 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:05
Ep. 102 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Why both negative and positive feelings help us build strong friendshipsAida wants to know how to express her feelings with friends. Learn tips for what is most likely to get a good r…