Help Children Fight Loneliness

There may not be a cure-all for being lonely, but there are things we can do to help our children escape harsh feeling of loneliness. Check out these 10 suggestions that will help distract your child from feeling alone and set their feet on a path surrounded by others.

1. Charity - Charity work not only places our child in a setting that is generally supportive of the community and teaches them to "give back," it also surrounds kids with others working toward a common goal. Volunteer work, like at the Humane Society, is something your child may find they really enjoy. More, they will be surrounded by people who enjoy the same thing and conversations may come easier. This may give your child something to look forward to week to week, as well.

2. Hobby Class - A hobby class is a wonderful retreat to place kids with a group that is like them. Seek classes that use group activities and encourage interaction among students. Many community centers also offer programs at low cost where your child might meet people outside of a peer group where they feel less accepted.

3. Educational Classes - If your child doesn't have a specific hobby that thrills them, this could be a great way to not only meet others, but learn a new lifelong skill they can be proud of! If cost is an issue that is preventing you from enrolling your child in an activity, be sure not to overlook places like a Hospital in your area, or a school District that offers low-cost courses for things like "babysitting basics" or "CPR for kids."

4. Cooking - Cooking is a GREAT distraction because it causes you to focus. More importantly, teach your child to share what they have made with family, friends or the community! If your child learns to make cookies, let them know you think it would be a good idea to make cookies for your city fire-fighters (or other service jobs.) Be willing to take your child into the community and share the creations they are so proud of. Be willing to have guests into your home for dinner, or for a snack that your child has made to encourage human interactions.

5. Book Club - Books can be an amazing companion and offer a real escape as the child takes the focus off of themselves and dives into a story in another place or time. Though this is not a group activity, your local bookstore or library likely offers "reading groups" where children read a selected book then gather to discuss it. Check your local library and bookstore for book-centered activities that your child might enjoy.

6. Church - Getting involved in institutions and activities where people are encouraged to be kind and care for others can offer an environment that is very accepting and friendly. Seeking activities within the church where a child is in a smaller group, with children their age, will probably get better results than sitting in the back row hoping for an outreach committee. As we guide our children, we should look for activities in the same time-frame for ourselves to get involved. Our actions can set a great example and help reduce fear of new situations.

7. Team Sports - Team sports offer a great network of friends. If your child is not athletic, research sign-up teams in your area where all skill levels are encouraged, like the YMCA. Swimming teams, martial arts and dancing can also help coordination flourish through practice and technique. Though these sports are geared toward individual growth and recognition (which is awesome,) they place your child among like-minded kids, with a goal.

8. Keep Busy - Staying busy and productive can keep anyone from feeling lonely. This is more than giving your kids chores. Try and make it fun by encouraging a multi-day project. Initially, help them map out steps to complete the project labeling pages, Day 1 and Day 2. There is no reason a child can't build a tree house/fort, or plan a camp out, or write a book! Giving a child a vision and working toward it can keep them from wallowing in self-pity.

9. Think of Others - Generally, when we think of others and act on it, others begin to think of us. If your child expresses loneliness, encourage them to become a pen-pal with an old or distant friend/relative. Encourage them to write a note to someone else they think might be lonely, too. Perhaps it is just a "Thank You" note or letter of appreciation. Seek a soldier in the military to write to! Or call retirement community and ask if they have a person who might appreciate a letter. Remind your child there is always someone else in the world that needs a friend and they are never alone in loneliness.

10. Quality Time - Though, as parents, we never replace friends their age (nor should we) there is definitely merit to spending quality time with your child that can help them feel less lonely, wholly accepted by someone in this world, and most importantly, loved. Spending time with your kids will ultimately be something that lends itself to your child possessing deep confidence in the midst of their loneliness and should never be discounted or replaced.