"Some of my best mom friends are from the time I had my 12-year-old," said Bush Hager, referring to her daughter Mila ...

The chatbots’ appeal to kids, especially teens, is obvious. Unlike human friends, these AI companions will think all your jokes are funny. They’re programmed to be endlessly patient and to validate ...

Odd as that may sound, imaginary friends are extremely common. In one study published in 2004, 65 percent of kids reported having had at least one imaginary friend by age 7.

Imaginary friends (yes, even milk cartons) can be a way for kids to get their minds around the confusion of social relationships, experts say.

Kids are forming emotional bonds with chatbots. With digital literacy and parental guidance, these interactions can strike a healthy balance, supporting learning and creativity.

Danielle Self with Friends for Kids says the organization works to pair youth who need some adult interaction with mentors willing to step up and help. “We are a mentoring program for ...

Friends of the Children is impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.

Parents shouldn’t intervene too much in their kids’ social life, says one of the experts behind a recent national Mott Poll about parental views on kids’ friendships.

Why children have difficulty making friends Over half of parents (52%) reported at least one factor that makes it difficult for their child to make new friends.

Parents of Gen Alpha kids report that their children are having difficulties making friends -- and why. InsideCreativeHouse - stock.adobe.com Making friends isn’t as easy as sharing a juice box ...