Photo by Mumtahina Tanni
Adults should know how to help children with loneliness, but sadly, there are many of us who are lost in the field of child care; however, there is something that we can do.
Elaine Vanderberg, author of “Sammie the Sad Salamander,” understands the effect of loneliness on kids. She knows how destructive and disruptive it can be to a youngster’s growth, which is why she wrote her children’s book about Sammie. Readers are shown Sammie’s journey and growth from being a lonely salamander to one with many great friends.
Today, we’ll be learning about how we can help kids deal with loneliness so that they won’t feel so alone!
Why Could a Child Be Suffering From Loneliness
It stings to witness your child not making friends and not knowing why or how to intervene. The following could be the cause of a child’s inability to form relationships with other children:
• They are immature – When children are younger compared with their peers or just take longer to mature, they may find it difficult to fit in. They may just have distinct hobbies from their peers, or they may not have yet acquired the same social skills. Children often catch up as they become older, but in the meantime, they could be experiencing confusion and loneliness.
• They have difficulty socializing – Social norms must be learned even if they seem apparent to you. Additionally, while most children take up social signals and patterns so quickly that they appear automatic, some require more practice and support.
• They become anxious in front of others – Children and adults alike frequently experience anxiety when they join a group or enter a new social setting. This is seen in young children who cannot participate in playground activities or seemingly enjoyable but stressful birthday celebrations.
1. Aid Your Child Develop Healthy Friendships With Others
Discuss the idea of friendships with your children. Find out why and with whom they enjoy spending time. Give them friendship skills, such as justice and kindness. Instruct children to be considerate of others, take turns, pay attention, and behave well.
Assist them in becoming advocates for both themselves and others. When children feel like a member of a community, a family, or a group of friends, they experience less loneliness.
2. Educate Your Children to Say “Thank You,” Be Kind, and Help
Teach your children how to assist in the community, home, and school. Instill in them the value of kindness and saying “thank you” for minor favors. Reward your child for their goodness as an example.
Their true joy comes from witnessing their influence and experiencing the positive lift that comes from social interaction. People who act kind to others feel less alone and more connected as a result.
3. Connect and Interact with Your Youngsters
Schedule some time each day for connection, even if it’s only for a little while. Small chats or learning about their day can be used. Give the conversation your whole focus. Establish eye contact, smile at each other, and embrace.
Tell them they can rely on your support at all times. Your youngster will eventually discover that thinking about and making a connection to a person they already feel connected to is one of the best strategies to reduce feelings of loneliness.
With adults being aware of how to help children with loneliness, kids will grow to become better individuals. “Sammie the Sad Salamander” can also supplement an adult’s teaching style to better aid youngsters in dealing with loneliness.
What Can We Do if a Kid Needs More Aid with Feelings of Loneliness?
Children and teenagers are generally able to manage their emotions of loneliness. Some manage to get better by themselves or with help from a close friend or parent. When children discover a means to connect, feel understood, welcomed, or are reminded of their belonging, their loneliness fades.
However, some loneliness is more profound and difficult to handle. Younger people might want more assistance to get past them. Speak with your child’s physician if you have concerns about them experiencing loneliness that occurs too frequently or lasts too long. Your child could benefit from talking to a therapist or a similar mental health professional who can assist them in developing coping mechanisms.
Let’s Work on Knowing How to Help Children With Loneliness for the Better
Children closely observe how we handle our own mental health. It helps to remove the stigma of talking about our experiences of loneliness and how we sometimes bravely and vulnerably deal with those feelings. Attaining a sense of understanding, validation, and belonging for our children is the most crucial thing we are able to do for them.
Purchase a copy of “Sammie the Sad Salamander” by Elaine Vanderberg to aid kids dealing with loneliness further. The story in the book’s pages has helpful lessons and is full of beautiful illustrations any child will like.
Check out our other articles, too, and learn how to cultivate a brighter future for our children!