What should you do if a child gets lost in a crowd?

It's not just adults who feel lonely and out of place, but this condition is gradually spreading to children as well. Children feel out of place in crowds and tend to become emotionally withdrawn. What causes this phenomenon and how can it be addressed? What causes children to feel lonely in crowds? Even though parents actively encourage their child to participate in extracurricular activities, the child still cannot form new relationships, and may even become more withdrawn than before. That is the feeling of loneliness in a crowd. Feeling lonely in a crowd can be a strange sensation, but it is actually very common. Even though they are surrounded by loved ones, friends, and others, children can still feel incredibly lonely. Lack of a sense of connection Feeling lonely in a group can be caused by a deep-seated fear inside us. Some kids are very hesitant to express their opinions or voice their thoughts, because they fear those around them will think they are “different,” worrying that their ideas won’t be accepted. Children find it hard to express their views Additionally, when children feel lonely, they naturally want to be surrounded by others, to chat and connect with those around them. However, if the friends around them do not give the child a sense of connection, the situation will deteriorate. Then, instead of the nearby friends, the child has a need to seek someone to listen to them on social media. If a child already finds it hard to build relationships, and the surrounding people constantly remind them of it, this also makes them more averse to making friends, or fall into self-blame. The child easily thinks: “I really am a failure. There are 50 people in my class and not a single friend.” If this bad feeling persists, it will lead to mental health problems. Finally, feeling lonely even when there are close, like-minded friends around is not impossible. This is a common symptom of depression or social anxiety. Parents should talk more to understand more about why the child feels lonely. Causes stemming from the family According to Master of Psychology Truong Thi Thuy Hang, Viet Son Psychological Counseling Center (Ho Chi Minh City) shares that children who have been neglected by their parents, not receiving enough attention and daily care, will gradually become rebellious and hard to connect. Children may harm themselves to draw attention from adults, in order to receive their parents’ attention. Then after they have deliberately done everything to get their parents’ attention and still only receive indifference, the children will feel a loss of connection with family, and gradually this situation will spread to other social relationships. Lack of family attention The Master also notes that if a young person constantly feels lonely and the main cause stems from a lack of attention from the family, they will easily become indifferent. They ignore everything their parents say and have no goals for the future; many children tend to give up on everything, including their studies. If not handled carefully, family conflicts will become more serious, and the distance between parents and children will grow even wider. What can be done to help a child stop feeling lonely? First, parents should sit down and talk with their child and ask questions: - Do you feel lonely and want to find a companion? - Do you feel frustrated because you can’t share anything with your parents? - Are you trying to make new friends or want to feel more connected with your current friends but can’t? When a child seriously thinks about their own needs, they can learn how to meet their needs and build better relationships with others. For example, being allowed to participate in extracurricular activities can help them meet many new friends if they are willing to open up, but if they want deeper emotional support, they should go out and talk with close friends to better relieve their emotions. Tr Child needs to think seriously about their own needs To support children better in this process, Mykingdom suggests a few tips: - Encouraging children to spend time with friends and loved ones: Spending time with friends and family is not just a social obligation but also a way to strengthen and deepen important relationships in life. This not only helps the child feel more connected but also provides emotional support when needed. - Trying to find a group of people with shared interests. If possible, encourage your child to find a place where people with similar interests gather: for example, a book club, a board game enthusiasts group, a badminton club... Joining groups with shared interests is a wonderful way to broaden social connections and find resonance in life. - Seeking online connection opportunities: In the digital age, connecting with people who share interests is no longer limited to physical space. If you have difficulty finding direct groups, online communities are an excellent option. Kết nối với bạn bè, người thân giúp con không còn lạc lõng The phenomenon of children feeling lonely even in a crowded place is a matter of concern and needs timely resolution. This loneliness not only affects mental health but also negatively impacts the child's overall development. Only when the child receives comprehensive support from family, school, and society will the feeling of loneliness gradually fade, replaced by joy, confidence, and a better ability to integrate into the surrounding environment