Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.

This one is extra special. Todd is joined by two people who have been best friends since the first grade: his mom, Claudia, and her childhood best friend, Vicky. They have been friends for nearly seven decades, and the love and laughter between them is something you can feel in every single word. Also joining us is Zuri, returning co-host and seven-year-old friendship expert, who brings her own big questions and big heart to the conversation.

Together, they travel all the way back to first grade in Texas, where two six-year-olds sat down next to each other and just clicked. From basketball and cheerleading to navigating distance, family changes, and life's harder chapters, Claudia and Vicky show us what it looks like when a friendship truly stands the test of time. And Zuri, who has secret handshakes with most of her friends, reminds us that the magic of close friendship starts young and matters at every age.

This episode is a warm, funny, genuine conversation about what it means to choose someone again and again, through laughter, distance, and all of life's changes.

Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.

In this episode, kids will: 

• Hear the real story of a friendship that has lasted nearly 70 years and counting
• Discover that friendship isn't about never disagreeing. It's about choosing each other again and again
• Explore how staying connected looks different at different stages of life
• Laugh along with two lifelong best friends who still make each other giggle
• Reflect on the friendships in their own lives and what makes them special

Grown-ups, extend the learning by:

• Asking your child: "What do you think makes a friendship last a really long time?"
• Sharing a story about one of your own long-time friends with your child
• Talking about what it feels like to have someone who is always in your corner
• Encouraging your child to think about the friends they have now and what they love about them
• Asking: "Is there a friend you want to make sure you stay close to as you grow up?"

About Little Kids, Big Hearts:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.

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 If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.

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Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from The Big Heart Beat’s Album.

🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website:
 https://playsparkler.org/podcast