Jessica Speer is regularly featured in and contributes to news media outlets on topics related to kids, parenting, friendship, and families. News media, please see the Media Resources below.
Recent News Media
ABC NEWS: Why Kids Friendships Are Important
RAISING TEENS TODAY: The Perfect Storm: Why Girls’ Social Struggles Peak in Adolescence
READING WITH YOUR KIDS PODCAST: BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) – Understanding Preteens Social World
HELPING FAMILIES BE HAPPY PODCAST: Understanding Preteen Friendships & BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)?
RED TRICYCLE: Why Dining Together is Good For Your Family’s Health, Blaming Vs. Giving the Benefit of the Doubt, Yes, Sexting Happens in Middle School – How to Talk to Kids About It, Mean or Bullying? Helping Kids Understand the Difference, Tattling vs. Reporting, Helping Kids Re-Enter Their Post Pandemic Social World
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL-TEEN LIBRARY TOOLBOX: Why Girls’ Social Struggles Intensify During Adolescence and The Inspiration Behind BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)
THRIVE GLOBAL: Back-to-School, Back-to-Friendships, Three Magic Phrases to Connect With Your Kids
SMART SOCIAL: 10 Tips to Combat the Fear of Missing Out, 20 Ways Students Can Avoid Oversharing Online, How Sexting Can Damage a Student’s Reputation, Future or Lead to Lawsuits, The Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
UPJOURNEY: 12 Books to Read With Your Tween Daughter, How to Make Online Learning More Engaging and Interactive, 20 Signs of Fake Friends: How to Spot and Deal With Them, How to Politely Decline an Invitation to Hangout
FAMILIUS: Helping Kids Manage Emotions (video)
THOUGHTFUL PARENTING: Shift in Perspective Post-Quarantine, 8 Tips for Distance Learning Success, and 5 Hidden Friendship Truths That Confuse Kids (Adults, Too)
COUNTRY LIVING: Keeping Your Kids Busy Without a Traditional Summer Vacation
CARE.COM: 17 Free Things to do with Kids This Summer
BABY JOURNEY: Does Daycare Affect The Parent-Child Bond? We Talked to 40 Experts to Find Out
HOPE EDUCATION: Children’s Mental Health – 22 Tips from Experts in Education and Science
Media Resources
Brief Bio:
Jessica Speer’s book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships grew out of her friendship program that strengthens social awareness and helps kids learn to navigate common struggles. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores social-emotional topics in ways that connect with pre-teens and teens.
Bio:
Jessica Speer’s book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships grew out of her friendship program that strengthens social awareness and helps kids learn to navigate common struggles. Her books engage and entertain readers by combining the stories of preteens and teens with fun activities and practical insights. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores social-emotional topics in ways that connect with kids.
Jessica’s books are inspired by two central questions: How can she help kids thrive? and What does she wish she’d known when she was a kid? Her writing unpacks the tricky and awkward stuff that peaks during adolescence. She hopes that BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) serves as a warm and supportive guide as girls journey through the inevitable bumps in their social worlds.
She is regularly featured in and contributes to media outlets on topics related to kids, parenting, and friendship. When she’s not typing away at her computer, she loves hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband and two daughters.