Loneliness is a very personal and subjective feeling that affects everyone, including children, differently. Loneliness can be felt even when you are with a crowd. So, what is the reason for loneliness among children?
We all feel lonely at some point in our lives. When we feel that there is no one with us, when the mind is very bored, we feel lonely. Adults tend to find reasons and solutions to their loneliness. But that is not the case with children. They have no answer to the loneliness that haunts them. They are not aware of why they are so lonely. Sometimes they are surrounded by classmates, teachers and family members, but they feel lonely.
What is the reason for loneliness in children?
The main reason for feeling lonely in a child or child is a change in life circumstances. Differences in school or school-related matters can also lead to loneliness in children. Some of these situations in their life can lead to a feeling of loneliness. The reasons such as migrating to another place, being separated from neighbours, change of school, parental divorce or separation, someone in the family dying or dies, losing friends when friends refuse friendship, constant fights with friends or classmates or bullying.
With all this, the attitude of the child plays a significant role. The child’s shyness or anxiety to socialize can also cause him/her to be reluctant to socialise and talk to other children. It is common for children with low social skills to socialize and hesitate to talk to others. This can lead to a feeling of loneliness in children without friends and not being able to get separated from anyone.
Effects of loneliness
Loneliness is different in one’s own way. The way children express loneliness may be a substitute. This loneliness can affect a child’s academic levels. There may be a lack of attention. They may lose interest in reading. Sometimes children can also have bad thoughts like suicide due to this.
How parents can help these children
1) Simply make plans to help the children
Your child has a mind to play with friends but is reluctant to ask them to a friend. Then teach the child how to listen easily. It is a way to help children socialise and talk to friends.
2)Teach social skills
If your child is reluctant to socialise, create situations where children get an opportunity to socialise. When they are allowed to socialise with other children, when they are made to engage in activities like dancing, sports, etc., the quality of socializing develops in them. It also helps in getting rid of loneliness.
3) Encourage
Your child may hesitate to do the above activities. For that reason encourage them to make these efforts. Do your best to help them. Don’t reject their efforts.
Helping build an emotional vocabulary to talk about their feelings, building resilience to celebrate achievements, and lack of opportunities, coping with fear, and understanding other emotions will surely help them to cope with these kinds of situations.
