How to Keep Only Children From Feeling Lonely While Sheltering in Place

We’re not the only ones affected by the virus and its implications; our kids are also experiencing complex emotions and even anxiety because of COVID-19. If it’s confusing and worrying for an adult, just imagine how a child must feel. 

For those of us at home with the kids, it can be a challenge to keep them entertained, let alone ease the pain of missing their friends and schoolmates. With no siblings, an only child can be especially prone to this loneliness. Here are some ways to keep your only child from feeling lonely during shelter in place. 

Be Aware of Your Child’s Mental Health During Lockdown

Don’t underestimate the ability of confusion, uncertainty, and loneliness to negatively affect your only child during the lockdown. It’s important as a parent to pay close attention to any new habits, behaviors, or symptoms that your child may develop, and address them quickly. A child won’t always say “Im so lonely”, as it’s an emotion they may not fully understand. 

Some common mental health conditions include generalized anxiety and depression, both of which can have similar symptoms, such as:

• Inability to focus
• Forgetfulness
• Changes in appetite
• Constant worry or panic
• Disrupted sleep schedule
• Withdrawal from immediate family

If you notice any of these symptoms, they should be addressed as quickly as possible. Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your child about how they might be feeling during lockdown. Communication is a great way to better understand what your son or daughter is experiencing.

Share Stimulating Activities

Aside from your regular day-to-day interactions, planning some quality time with your child can ease the feeling of loneliness. Plan something you both enjoy such as a favorite movie, board game, TV show, or hands-on activity like cooking or crafting. Not only will this help stimulate the senses and keep your child engaged, but it will also allow you to spend quality time together. 

This quality time (along with a stimulating activity) is crucial during social isolation. You want your child to know they’re not alone, they can talk to you, that you’re there. Keeping their brains busy stimulates growth and healthy cognitive abilities. 

When this is all over and you look back in time, you’ll want to be sure you spent the extra time you had with your children wisely. After all, time is a finite resource, and kiddos grow up so fast. Next thing you know, you’ll be a grandparent! 

Let Them Video Call Friends

In a world that’s constantly connected to the web, there’s no shortage of video chatting tools to connect us all in stunning HD video and audio. It’s as if we’re in the same room, but without the risk of spreading infection. 

Your only child is probably missing their friends a lot during the lockdown. Allowing them some quality time on the phone or in a video chat with friends can boost their mood and help ease the sense of loneliness they’re feeling. 

Listen and Understand

The worst thing you can do is ignore or downplay your child’s feelings of loneliness. As adults, we tend to think of kids as not being able to understand as well as us, and while that’s true in a way, we’ve got to give the kiddos more credit. 

Kids are still people, still human. They feel sadness, anger, all the same things we do. Being a good listener is the best thing a parent can be. We may not even understand why our child is feeling a certain way, but the why isn’t as important as being there to listen. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, you can speak with a professional counselor online. Online counseling services are contact-free and convenient and are becoming quite popular in certain areas of the country. When feelings of loneliness or sadness evolve into something more serious, you might need to involve a professional. With an online counselor, you’ll have access to the help your child needs without putting anyone in your house at risk of catching COVID-19. 

Keep In Touch With Teachers

Believe it or not, your child probably misses their teachers, too. Teachers fill such a large part of a child’s life, especially younger children. Send an email, leave a message, or even offer to let your child video chat his or her favorite teacher(s). 

Don’t worry, we’re sure your teachers will be all for it! If the students are missing their teachers, just imagine how the teachers must feel! Some of them have dedicated their entire lives to teaching children. 

Stay Safe and Sane!

We have no doubt that the world will recover from this at some point, but until then, stay safe and sane. Remember to follow all guidelines and pay close attention to the mental health of those in your household. We’re all in this together.