Parents' Guide to Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic

Podcast Kids & Family Independent Average run time: 5 minutes
Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast: Illustrated person wearing a purple shirt with a yellow star, red pants and a green cape.

Common Sense Media Review

Robert Yaniz Jr. By Robert Yaniz Jr. , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Curiosity and communication shine in this Q & A pod.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's It About?

KIDS ASK DR. FRIENDTASTIC is a question-and-answer show in which psychologist Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore -- also known as "Dr. Friendtastic" -- spotlights a single question posed by a young listener. Billed as "for kids about making and keeping friends," the show often touches on social-emotional topics that children might encounter with friends and classmates. These include dealing with bullying, making new friends, finding balance among multiple friends, and knowing how to handle mistreatment from one's peers. Occasional episodes feature adult guests, who share their difficulties with friends as a way to relate to the young listeners.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Kids Ask Dr. Friendastic reassures young listeners that the social issues they face among their peers are common concerns, and Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore offers advice they can use to take positive action. What makes the podcast so easy to recommend is the warmth and compassion Dr. Kennedy-Moore brings to her feedback. She breaks down concepts such as social boundaries and bullying for young listeners. She also helps kids understand why they feel the way they do, oftentimes guiding them to empathize with why other kids might be saying or doing the things that they are. This open communication can have a lasting impact on how kids relate to one another. The gentle approach and expert advice make Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic worth a listen for any household with school-age children.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether the feedback on Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic accounts for all possible scenarios. For example, is there any explanation regarding a friendship challenge that isn't addressed? What would you add to the feedback from your own experience?

  • Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic largely highlights questions from kids, with occasional guest appearances by adults in "Dr. Friendtastic's Friendship League." Why is it important to have trusted adults you can talk to and go to with questions? Who are your trusted adults?

  • Dr. Kennedy-Moore encourages young listeners to see other people's perspectives and try to use honest, open communication. Does her experience as a psychologist make you trust her advice more?

  • Developing strong communication and trust between kids and adults is a major theme throughout this podcast. Why is communication a strong character strength for both kids and adults to develop together?

  • This podcast is a great way to empower kids' curiosity. Adults and children can work together to submit a question to the show.

Podcast Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast: Illustrated person wearing a purple shirt with a yellow star, red pants and a green cape.

What to Listen to Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate