Donna, founder of mylifeshines.com, which hosts online parties to teach children emotional skills, says there are other ways lockdown has impacted on her only child. As loneliness is recognised as a major public health concern, it is therefore vital that research considers the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness in order to provide necessary support. I've got this, I thought. I have missed not having support from my teachers the most.” We asked Evie what she did when she felt lonely: “If I feel lonely, I’ll listen to music, spend time with my mum or watch a movie. But COVID-19 is lonely, even for loners like me. Feeling the lockdown strain: ‘It is very difficult, boring and lonely’ We asked readers how they are coping with the lockdown now. Here’s what they had to say They put you back in control and teach your child how to problem-solve, giving your child the skills needed to be a successful adult. Dr. Shelli Dry, an occupational therapist and director of clinical operations at Enable My Child, a pediatric therapy provider, suggests the usual practical solutions for school-aged children who have already established social relationships, she also recommends childs play therapy. How do you tell if a kid is lonely or just likes to be alone? Know that effective consequences are not punishments. This three-fold technique – ‘label’, ‘reflect’ and ‘normalize’ – can be a useful way to make your child feel heard and understood, says Street, and also develop confidence in talking about their feelings. ‘The idea of being completely on my own for a month - at the time - at least seemed very overwhelming.’ Lesley, 39, a publicity manager from East London, has a chronic pain condition called ankylosing spondylitis which makes her an at-risk individual. Background There are concerns internationally that lockdown measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a rise in loneliness. ... “If you notice your child is becoming withdrawn, that there's been a … On the other hand, some children can feel isolated even when surrounded by a large family or other peers. I’ve spent my life working to disprove the idea that I’m dependent on anyone. Here Are 10 Ways to Help. Lockdown? Kids who feel a need for social interaction will talk incessantly. Eight ways to help children struggling during lockdown ... and feeling lonely. Commit to joining the fight against loneliness. “Start by labelling their emotions, ie. The right consequences actually motivate your child to good behavior. Recall the simple things others did to make you feel less lonely—a call from your mother, a remote board game with a friend—and pay it forward. “The hardest things about lockdown is not being able to see my friends and family, and I have felt a little bit lonely in lockdown. ‘When I first heard the lockdown press conference I had a little cry,’ says Ellie. Talks a lot – One of the first signs of a lonely child is that he/she talks a lot. Our Kids Are Feeling Lonely In Lockdown. Indeed, I say all the time that you can’t punish your child into behaving better. M dependent on anyone you tell if a kid is lonely or just to... A lonely child is that he/she talks a lot – One of the first signs of lonely. 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