Lonely 7 year old

[Sonia84]

My son is 7 and very lonely. He is kind, sensitive, polite and generous, but he’s always struggled to make friends and summer holidays are breaking my heart. He’s desperate to go out and play and meet up with friends, but he just has nobody. There are a couple of people in his class who live near us but they a bit too rough and boisterous for him. They’re also prone to being quite mean to him so he’s given up trying to be friends with them. Our neighbour’s children have bullied him in the past. I’ve tried to arrange play dates with other parents, but everyone is working or on holiday. His only friend from school is ignoring his messages.
I feel so sad for him not being able to go out and play.
I was wondering if anyone is in a similar position? I’ve posted on the local thread to see if anyone near me would like to meet up but I don’t know if it will work.
Or if not, does anyone have suggestions? He’s too shy for sports clubs and things like that. His self esteem and confidence are so low. I just want him to have fun and be happy. All he wants are some friends.

Sorry for the sob story, I don’t know what else to do.

You say he's too shy for sports clubs but maybe that's where you could start. It probably won't be easy but you could find one where you could have a chat with the coach or person who runs the team. Explain he's a bit shy but you're keen for him to give it a go. They will understand - I'm sure they have met many shy kids his age in the past.

What are his other interests? Could be a group of friends just waiting to be found in a hobby he loves.

I was a really shy kid but my mum took me to sports clubs and encouraged me. I joined and was hesitant to start but then loved it! I took up running professionally later in life and have many,many friends.

You're doing awesome as his mum - he will find his true friends.
Sending a hug

What about museum workshops! Our town museum runs holiday activities for 1.5 hours which cost around £5. Something like a computing/ coding club. Is there anything running at his school over the holidays club wise? My older DS hated going to unfamiliar places, but was ok if it was a familiar environment. One of our local churches also runs a club every afternoon for a week and they have older children who buddy up with the younger ones to help them. Would things like this work?

What about going swimming? I remember as a kid going to the pool and striking up instant friendships with whatever other kids were there that day and playing with them