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/