Friendships are a major part of growing up — but they don’t always come easy. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Mandy Silverman, clinical psychologist and member of the Child Mind Institute’s Clinical Advisory Council, about how to support your child’s social development at every stage.
From navigating playdates to managing screen-based relationships, they unpack what’s typical (and what’s not), how to encourage connection, and what to do when your child seems left out. Whether your child is struggling to make friends or just figuring out who they click with, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world perspective.
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More free resources at childmind.org/thrivingkids
Resources Mentioned
From the Child Mind Institute:
• Friends and Socializing Resource Center
childmind.org/topics/concerns/friends-socializing
• How to Help Kids Make Friends: 12 Evidence-Based Tips
childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-make-friends
• Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends
childmind.org/article/kids-who-need-a-little-help-to-make-friends
• Helping Children Make Friends: What Parents Can Do
childmind.org/article/helping-children-make-friends-what-parents-can-do
• Contact a Clinician
childmind.org/contact
• The Thriving Kids Projects
childmind.org/education/outreach-partnerships/thriving-kids
Other Helpful Reading:
• APA – Help Kids Navigate Friendships
apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/08/help-kids-navigate-friendships
• Harvard Health – What Parents Can Do
health.harvard.edu/blog/helping-children-make-friends-what-parents-can-do-202301052874
• Verywell Family – Recognizing Controlling or Toxic Friendships
verywellfamily.com/signs-your-friend-is-controlling-and-a-bully-460803
• Raising Children Network – Encouraging Positive Behavior
raisingchildren.net.au/