b'During the first part of COVID-19,my son had limited exposure to other children. Now he is back in school and starting activities again but is struggling to make friends.CAN YOU HELP?I feel more anxious and lonely than ever. As a parent, I would remind your son that hisWHATS NORMAL? DO YOU HAVE classmates have also had limited exposure to other children during the pandemic. MakingTIPS FOR HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS?friends can take time and does not happen quickly for some children. Even before COVID-19,It is normal to feel lonely and anxious during this time when there were children who struggled to makemany people are spending less time with friends and family. friends for a variety of reasons.People have the desire to socialize with others, and it can be Talking to new people and discoveringpainful when we feel that we do not have social connections. common interests is the first step to developingThere is also a fear of the unknown. Many people may wonder friendships. Encourage your son to speak with hiswhen it will be safe or when they will feel less anxious about peers even though it may be uncomfortable atin-person activities.first. The more your child pushes outside of hisUnfortunately, it is unknown when or if the world will return comfort zone the easier it will become to interactto normal. Because the future is uncertain, it is importantwith peers. Over time he will meet peers withto focus on what we as individuals have control over incommon interests if he is persistent and does order to reduce anxiety. If your anxiety and loneliness havenot give up hope of making friends.a major negative impact on your daily functioning, you should seek professional help from a therapist. If you are currently questioning if you should seek professional help, you should reach out to a therapist who can provide an assessment to determine if you need assistance.Here are some tips to help reduce loneliness and anxiety: Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and avoiding thinkingabout the future or the past.Spend time in nature. Taking a walk can reduce anxiety. Spend time with friends and family. Schedule Here are three steps for parents to helpin-person or virtual meetings with loved ones STOP online bullying:to catch up.Set all social media accounts to private. Volunteer virtually or in-person. Through Block the bully, and do not accept anyvolunteering, you are interacting with others friend requests from people you do and serving others.not know. Attend in-person or virtual religious services.Screenshot and save all the bullying Use technology to stay connected to friends messages so if it continues, there is and family.a paper trail. associated.org 45'