Ep187: Your Kids Learn Friendship by Watching You

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Friendship advice for kids is everywhere. The harder question is what our children learn from the friendships they see us live. In this CEV crossover episode, we dig into adult friendship as a parenting model: how we prioritize people, how we handle conflict or hurt, and how our everyday choices quietly teach kids what “healthy relationships” actually look like.

We also get honest about a common reality: many kids rarely see their parents with friends, especially as schedules fill up and social time gets squeezed out. So we talk through practical, appropriate ways to give kids a lens into adult connection without oversharing, including how to share friendship stories, values, and lessons before a problem hits.

Then we shift to the real-world challenge of making friends as an adult. When kids’ activities slow down, the easy pathways disappear, and “put yourself out there” can feel intimidating. We share doable steps: start with the people already near you, choose one small way to invest, say yes more often, and use community spaces like a public library, the YMCA, volunteering, or helping at a school. And if loneliness or anxiety is making connection feel out of reach, we name when it makes sense to talk with a therapist or your doctor, because social connection matters for mental health.

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This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

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