Articles by Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD
How to Make a Friend
Every friendship begins with some sign that two people are interested in becoming friends. To make a new friend, we can communicate that we like a certain person, we want to spend time with them, and get to know them better. What might that look like? Go where the people are The one place you’re guaranteed not…
Will AI destroy your child’s friendships?
What parents can do about the blatant and subtle dangers of AI companions for kids. The premise is appealing: Who wouldn’t want a friend who is available 24/7, always on your side, never annoyed or bored or hurt? In theory, AI companions could ease loneliness and even allow kids to practice social skills that they…
When Your Kid Is Not Invited to the Party
The actor and writer Carrie Fisher once said that the saddest words in the English language are “What party?” Ouch. Feeling left out—excluded from the fun that everyone else seems to be having—is painful. Almost everyone will experience being the odd one out at some point. But when your child is rejected, somehow it feels…
“What Do We Tell the Kids?”
Every family faces difficult times at some point. Family stressors might include serious illness or injury, death of a loved one, financial problems, unemployment, divorce, or relocation. Our instinct to protect our kids from suffering might urge us to tell our kids as little as possible about upsetting events or circumstances. But children are magnets for…
5 Secrets to Self-Control
Being productive at work. Keeping up with healthy habits and household chores. Communicating well with others. Almost everything we want to do requires a measure of self-control. Easier, more-satisfying-in-the-moment options are very tempting. We could put off writing that email, ditch the workout, ignore the laundry pile, snarl at our partner, and zone out by binge-watching…
How to Tell If You Can Trust a Friend
Trust is an important ingredient in any friendship. But there are many aspects to trust. How we want to be able to trust friends We definitely want friends to keep our private information private. If we confide in them about what we think about other people, or stressful events in our lives, or embarrassing things we did, or…
What to Say to Empathize Better With Your Child
When our children are upset, we adults tend to want to skip the feelings and go straight to the solution. Sometimes this works. If your child is sad about dropping her ice cream cone, just saying, “I’ll get you another one” can make everything all better. But when emotions are more intense or more complicated,…
12 Ways to Help When Your Child Struggles to Make Friends
When your child comes home heartbroken over friendship troubles, it’s natural to feel helpless. But there’s more you can do than you think! Learn how to support your child’s emotional awareness, coach them through social challenges, and find their people with these 12 actionable tips.
Fitting In vs Belonging: How to Tell the Difference
These questions can help you find genuine belonging.
The Difference Between Perfectionism and Healthy Striving
Is perfectionism holding you back from achieving your goals? When do high standards hurt rather than help us?
A One-Syllable Word That Can Improve Your Relationships
This simple word can take the sting out of criticism and help you be more caring.
When Your Child Has a Domineering Friend
From your child’s perspective, the friendship is working, but as their parent, you can see the obvious downside of giving in all the time.
When Your Child Has a Boy-Girl Friendship
5 Ways to Teach Your Child to Be Grateful
Expressing gratitude is a skill all children need to learn.
When Your Child Gets Cyberbullied
KEY POINTS Children’s empathy isn’t fully developed, so meanness is common, online and off. Sensible limits and monitoring can help your child learn to be safe online. Having a specific plan for handling cyberbullying can help your child feel more confident and competent online. There’s a special kind of awfulness when meanness happens online. Because…
How to Comfort a Child Who Has Lost a Loved One
There are various models of stages of grief out there, but the truth is that grief is a very personal thing.
When Coping Well Is Costly
Ongoing efforts to cope well in difficult circumstances can take a toll.
What to Say Instead of “Be Careful!”
How to empower your child to take reasonable caution and sensible risks.
The Limits of #MentalHealth Content
Online mental health content can have benefits and downsides.
When Your Child… Gets Teased By a Friend
It can sometimes be hard for children who are very sensitive to be the target of teasing, even if it comes from a friend.
When Your Child… Wishes For a Best Friend
For kids, having a best friendship is like falling in love. Who wouldn’t want a soul mate–someone who makes us feel special, who understands, supports, and has fun with us?
When Your Child… Is Afraid to Do Activities
It’s always easier to make a plan when we have an idea of what to expect.
When You… Also Struggle With Making Friends
There is an advantage for parents who share their children’s social challenges: they can serve as excellent role models for their children.
When You… Lose Your Temper With Your Child
Us adults must be on time and complete tasks. When kids live in the moment, they don’t want to put their shoes on or stop. We love our children, but sometimes they’re hard to live with!