Say no without feeling bad (Blaire, Age 12)

Say no without feeling bad (Blaire, Age 12)

Author: Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author, psychologist, focusing on children's feelings, children's friendships, parenting, mental health. April 20, 2024 Duration: 4:24

Ep. 55 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: How saying no can save a friendship.

Blaire feels bad about saying no to friends. How can she think about things differently?

Scroll down for discussion questions.

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.

Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus posts for parents.

*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- 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? 

- Why do you think kids are sometimes nervous or uncomfortable about saying no to a friend? 

- What could you say if a friend is disappointed or annoyed when you say no? 

- When is it okay to say yes to a friend, even if it’s not exactly what you want?



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
Being apart from a friend (Matilda, Age 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:38
Ep. 110: Closeness and distance in friendship | 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 QU…
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…