Feeling sad for DD

[hallobeen]

I was doing a little Halloween tea party (+ games/crafts) for my DD, I had invited her two cousins - no more as rule of 6 - but they had to cancel early on this week, I rearranged it with two of her friends (siblings) but they're now self isolating, so we invited just one friend who was available as lots of others now already had plans.
They've cancelled today, a genuine reason and I'm in no way upset by them, I'm just feeling really sad for my DD. We aren't able to have more children, so she will always be an only child, and between organising this and lockdown, I'm so worried she's lonely. I never had this worry before, with friends, groups, school - but I've just watched her spend most of this year with just me and DH, I'm very aware she's had little contact with her peer group.
Is anyone in this position? AIBU projecting my own fears and she's probably fine? She's really disappointed about tomorrow, (I'm bigging up that it's more sweets and snacks for us and we're going to have fun!)

Could you get a dog? The right kind of dog is great for the whole family. Could you find another family with a single child to be close friends with? This has really worked well for some of my friends with just one child. You can still go for walks in a group of 6 (or 4 if Dads want to stay home) and they even go on holiday together. We are not trick or treating this year but going for a walk in the dark with torches and making up ghost stories. Also hiding sweets in the garden in the dark is a fun one.

How old is she?

I understand what you mean. I have two but they are very different and dont have a lot in common. They don't really look on the road the other is on tbh and I have your worry a lot of the time this year. However u sound like a lovely mum and I am sure she will benefit massively from having quality time with you and dad. U will make lovely memories for her. She is at school so much of the time mixing with peers some special time with her parents will be fab for her. She will thrive. Do not worry (telling myself the same).

OP l am exactly the same as you and worried during lockdown she was bored and lonely - plus we have been away with adult friends this week too and l worried she would be bored but actually as she knows no different, she is always fine. We have got other only children that are friends and we usually spend time with them but my dd is genuinely happy in her own company so l need to stop feeling guilty that l couldn't have any more children as she is fine.

Possibly a bit late now but for my two DD I got 5 party bags each and will put goodies in them like stickers chocolate sweets, balloon - pretty much Halloween party bag stuff and get dressed up and do a reverse trick or treat by leaving them on the doorstep of their friends houses, knock and step back. I may make cookies or cupcakes to add. I know it's not the same but they are excited.

She's 5 nearly 6. She has a couple of school friends but that hasn't really 'taken off' yet. I think I'm feeling it more at the minute as all the current one-child families we know are TTC or just had/pregnant with their second.

I'm very much at peace with one, and if it wasn't out of my hands anyway, we probably would have chosen to stop at one. Covid has just rocked my confidence with my ability to provide her with enough opportunities to prevent loneliness - she's is naturally very social and chatty.

We do have a dog! Although DD would love a cat 😅

@ScrumptiousBears that sounds lovely!

It must be hard especially when they are little but to put your mind at rest my only is nearly 16 and he has mates with different sibling numbers. He always says it's nice to visit but better to be home with the peace and quiet, no fighting or loud voices and his own space. His mates also love spending time at ours

He wouldn't want it anyother way. Don't worry about what you can't do and have a fun evening as a family, she will treasure those memories