What do you do when your child is struggling to make friends, or causing conflict with the friends they have? In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers real questions from parents and caregivers about how to help kids build and maintain healthy relationships, from early childhood through the teen years.

We cover:

• How to explain that not everyone will like you — and that’s okay
• What to do if your child doesn’t seem to have “real” friendships
• How to support your child’s social life if you’re a shy parent
• How to help a tween handle peer rejection
• What to do when your teen gossips or ghosts their friends
• How to respond to “bossy” behavior in younger kids
• Why teen friendships can sometimes feel toxic — especially among girls
• What to do when an older sibling is being unkind
• How to recognize emotional dependence in friendships
• Tips for supporting a child with ADHD who struggles socially

Whether your child is 6 or 16, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you guide them toward strong, supportive friendships — and build the social-emotional skills they’ll use for life.

 Further reading

• (Video) Being a Good Friend in Hedgehog Land – from the Child Mind Institute's Emmy and Webby-nominated series for young kids, featuring music by Lake Street Dive
• How to Help Teens Through a Friendship Breakup – Child Mind Institute
• How to Help Kids Who Are Lonely – Child Mind Institute