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/thrivingkidsResources MentionedFrom the Child Mind Institute:• Friends and Socializing Resource Centerchildmind.org/topics/concerns/friends-socializing• How to Help Kids Make Friends: 12 Evidence-Based Tipschildmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-make-friends• Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friendschildmind.org/article/kids-who-need-a-little-help-to-make-friends• Helping Children Make Friends: What Parents Can Dochildmind.org/article/helping-children-make-friends-what-parents-can-do• Contact a Clinicianchildmind.org/contact• The Thriving Kids Projectschildmind.org/education/outreach-partnerships/thriving-kidsOther Helpful Reading:• APA – Help Kids Navigate Friendshipsapa.org/news/press/releases/2023/08/help-kids-navigate-friendships• Harvard Health – What Parents Can Dohealth.harvard.edu/blog/helping-children-make-friends-what-parents-can-do-202301052874• Verywell Family – Recognizing Controlling or Toxic Friendshipsverywellfamily.com/signs-your-friend-is-controlling-and-a-bully-460803• Raising Children Network – Encouraging Positive Behaviorraisingchildren.net.au/