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/

Creators and Guests

Host

Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.

AD

Producer

Andrew Dearling

Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.

Producer

Chad Garber

Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.

What is Thriving Kids: A Parenting Podcast From the Child Mind Institute?

Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode tackles a common parenting challenge — from anxiety to tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies backed by science.

You’ll hear real talk, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from clinicians who work with kids every day.

New episodes every other week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.