Lonely son

[Jenlaana]

I dont know what to do. :( We are pretty broke, and I don't have a car during the day as my husband and I share one (we live in town though so I can walk to the park and the library). I had my son going to the boys and girls club for a week or so (can walk there too) but it ended up being a really bad idea. There were fights all the time, no structured activities, etc. I'm starting to think maybe I shouldn't have taken him out of school because although I think the education is much MUCH better, I've been isolating him. His cousin came for the weekend from Florida and when she left he cried for...no exaggeration... over an hour, and has been crying off and on since. He says he's lonely and I feel terrible. :(

I haven't found a homeschoolers group in my area (and there is th at lack of car issue) and living in Hemingway, the town is like a single city block. I was thinking maybe letting him chat on the internet with some kids, but then there is that fear of child stalkers etc to deal with.

Anyone else have these problems before? :(

[pecangrove]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I have an only child, too, and fear that he will feel lonely as he grows older. I'm trying hard to prevent that, but we've got it a little easier, it sounds.
Do you know anyone else that homeschools in your area? Maybe you could start a group at your home, or a nearby park? Or, if there is a child he knows/likes maybe you can set up a play time each week for them. Are there any sports that are close enough for you to participate in, or boy scouts?

[mommaadams]

Hey there. I wish I really could help you with your problem. My children have never really been into socializing with other kids. I work from home and therefore have never put them in daycare...they kinda' grew up around adults. I just pulled Lottie, my oldest, out of school and she really doesn't miss it. Where is Hemingway? Is that near Florence? (i just moved up here not long ago and don't know where anything is). I live in Florence and maybe we could get together sometimes. My oldest is 9 and i have a son who is 4. They love to play at the park. I'm not an expert on this by any means. Did he have any friends at school that live close by that he might be able to socialize with? I know they have some kids on here...maybe he can do that and talk via instant message or something? I know this is of no help:sad: , but I thought I could maybe give you a few ideas.

Best of wishes to you, Gwen:wave:

[duboisa]

My oldest son is loney too.. ( just read his posts on here..LOL) i work from home so leaving isnt an option for me during the day.. He is gettting better about it. I let Jimmy chat under supervised situation. How old is your son? Mine are 12 and 7. Maybe they can talk to each other on an email baisis and maybe talk on the phone. Jimmy likes that too. Dont get discouraged, it is still the best thing, after the violence in the schools i have seen this year, i will take a live kid with no friends over a dead one any day. I just dont feel like our kids are as safe at school as they would like for us to believe they are.... i am going to send you a private message with my details and stuf..

[Dianna]

Have you asked the librarians if they know of any homeschoolers in your local area? If they don't know of any, consider asking the newspaper to post a free notice for any homeschooling families to call you to set up a group.

If those two things don't help you find homeschoolers, try to involve your son in other groups such as scouting, 4-H, etc. Scouting can be inexpensive if you don't buy all parts of the uniform, or ask other families for outgrown uniforms. See if there are any troops or 4-H groups that meet at the library or local churches (within walking distance if transportation is an issue).

Also, he can post here in the children's area, if he'd like. We have a lot of nice children here, and I know most of them through my classes and trips. They always enjoy having someone new to talk to, and I moderate all messages before they're posted.

I'm sure we can come up with other ideas if those don't work. Let us know!

Dianna

[Jenlaana]

Thanks for the support :) I have been at my wits end lately. This has been an issue for us, but it multiplied a hundred fold when he came back from vacation w/ his grandparents.

The library has been no help at all on anything. Its a very small library so I kinda forgive them for not having more resources. The librarian said she had no recollection of any parks in the county and 8 months later (last weekend) I stumbled across one in walking distance totally by accident. When I asked about mom groups or homeschool groups she just gave me a blank look.

[Jenlaana]

I thought I replied to this but it is not showing. Am I still being moderated or something? Not used to this kind of set up

[Dianna]

I thought I replied to this but it is not showing. Am I still being moderated or something? Not used to this kind of set up

These forums are moderated to keep out spam and porn. I haven't had much of it try to go through, but it does keep it from ever reaching the eyes of the children. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Dianna]

The library has been no help at all on anything. Its a very small library so I kinda forgive them for not having more resources. The librarian said she had no recollection of any parks in the county and 8 months later (last weekend) I stumbled across one in walking distance totally by accident. When I asked about mom groups or homeschool groups she just gave me a blank look.

I think putting a notice in your local newspaper would be your best bet. Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

Dianna

[Jenlaana]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am going to try putting an ad in the local paper I think. Angie has been a great help as well. Her son and mine are now chatting on the phone and via AIM almost every day (and he posted on this board as well I believe in the kids section) and its been a real boost for my son. He doesnt talk about his cousin so much or cry anymore at all about missing her.

[Amanda]

Jenlaana

I feel your pain 100%. You and I have so much in common. I am without a car right now during the week. My 10 yr old son started crying yesterday about not being able to get out and have friends. Like you, I was questioning myself. I don't know anyone who homeschools so I'm kinda in a bind too. And his friends that he use to have in school pick at him now. They tell him that he is crazy for homeschooling. I cried all day Monday when he told me he wanted to go back to school. I felt like I had failed him. I aske him to give me just one year and if he didn't like it, I would send him back. My youngest son is 8 and he loves being home with momma. :smile2: But I have got to find them some friends. I know where Hemmingway is. My hubby use to work in Hemmingway and I have kin folks in Hemmingway. If your child is around my children's age, I would be more than happy to drive to hemmingway on the weekends so they could play. I live in Lake City. Please let me know because my oldest is lonely too. I will PM you my phone # so we can chat if you like.


mommaadams

I am 20 minutes from Florence. My boys are 8 & 10. I would love to get together with you and let them play.

Amanda

[Jenlaana]

I've been out of town for what feels like forever for a wedding and just got back last night. Going to check my PMs now. Just didnt want anyone to think I was ignoring them. Sooo glad to be home now. :)

[roodscreen]

I feel for you. We, too, have been a one-car family almost as long as we have been married. It is certainly difficult. We made it easier on me by letting me have the car so I could take the children places during the day--field trips, library, grocery shopping or the doctor's office. While it is difficult chauffering my husband to and from work and our 17yo to and from public school every day, it has turned out to be worth it to save my and our homeschooled childrens' sanity. Might this work for you as well? Then at least when you find some where to go you can get there.

God bless both of you.

Anne Marie

[Amanda]

I've been out of town for what feels like forever for a wedding and just got back last night. Going to check my PMs now. Just didnt want anyone to think I was ignoring them. Sooo glad to be home now. :)

Hi, Did you get the PM that I sent you?

[mary helen]

I have had lonely kids from time to time. I offer two suggestions:

1. In the spring, visit the park when public school lets out. My park has tons of kids then,

2. Find out where your local support group is. Offer a class or activity in your home. They will come to you. You will need no car.

Contact the Main Branch of your local library. If they don't have a program ask them to start one.