Anyone else feeling lonely over the summer?

[JulyMume]

I work in a school so I have the summer off with my 2 primary aged kids. I know I’m very fortunate and lots don’t have this luxury but it dawned on me today how isolated I really am. I don’t have many friends here and we moved to the area 1.5 years ago so still getting to know my neighbours. I have telephone numbers of my neighbours and have tried to get friendly with those with same aged kids but it seems like no one has time to meet up. I suggested a walk/bike ride with the kids and was told they can’t as exhausted. Another one I asked to come over for tea and kids can play in garden- she’s read my message but ignored it!

I have contacted few of their friends mums but same story no one wants to meet up. Not all of them are working most are term Time like me and some don’t work at all. How is everyone else feeling? How am I not supposed to take this personally?

I just feel when working I don’t feel so isolated as I always have someone to chat to but now I feel so alone. Just my kids for company. Any ideas how I can life the mood?

It really won’t be personal, but it’s still early in the holidays and people are focusing on catching up with established friends they haven’t seen in a while, on family, on preparing for holidays, all sorts of things. I think by the time children are primary age lots of parents assume play dates will be for the children where they get dropped off at each others houses and not about socialising with other parents.

I realise that doesn’t make it any easier for you though. Summer holidays can be isolating for lots of people.

I’m sorry you’re feeling lonely. It’s so hard making friends as an adult. Is there a place nearby where you you could do an activity or a course with your kids like a climbing wall or martial arts club or similar, or something like brownies or scouts or a community holiday club where the kids could join in and you could volunteer? It’s hard not to get discouraged when approaching individuals doesn’t work, so finding groups of people already doing things that you could join in with instead can be a lower pressure way of spending time with people. Volunteering is a great cure for loneliness.

@TinyYellow @Meanwhile33 thank you both. I’m feeling slightly better today. I got out early this morning for a walk with my kids. They spent entire time bickering and pushing each other but I did t do my usual shouting and threatening to go back home. I just kept calm.