How to Help Kids Build Positive, Healthy Friendships

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. Subscribe for expert-backed parenting advice every other Thursday. 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/