Is your child coming home saying they "have no friends", while your gut tells you the story might be more complicated than that? You're not alone. As parents, nothing spikes our anxiety faster than the fear that our child is being left out socially.

But what's really happening at recess, in the cafeteria, and throughout the school day? And how can we help our kids build friendships without spiraling after one mean comment from their friend?

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Seth Kennard, principal of Mountain View Elementary (and parent himself), for an inside look at what kids actually do when they're making friends at school, and why there are far fewer lonely kids at recess than parents imagine.

This episode is an insightlook at elementary school friendships, and a roadmap for you as a parent in trying to stay out of panic mode while giving your kids the tools they need to thrive socially.

If you're worried your child is lonely, this episode on helping kids make friends at school will show you:

How quickly kids connect when given repeated, low-pressure opportunities
What friendship formation actually looks like inside an elementary school
Why so many kids say they have "no friends"… even when they very much do
Why friend worries peak at home (and why timing matters)
A simple way to dig deeper when your child says they were alone at recess
Why parent anxiety can accidentally amplifies kids' anxiety
How to help kids build resilience after social bumps
How to tell the difference between a one-off bad moment and a real social struggle
What practical skills help kids keep friendships over time
And when it's time to get extra support, either from the school or a therapist

Next steps

🧠 Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. Check out our different therapy options at www.activeconnected.com.

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More info? You can find the full show notes, links and resources over at:

https://activeconnected.com/worry-y-child-is-lonely/