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.
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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.
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.
