Advice Needed: Son Has No Friends And Claimed Video Game Character Is His Best Friend
Dear Agony Aunt,
I am writing to you because I am so concerned about my son who is studying in primary school. He’s always been a bit reserved, but lately, I feel like he’s withdrawing even more.
He never shares anything about his school experience, and when I ask, he just shrugs and changes the subject.
Then, just the other day, he told me that his best friend is an artificial character in a video game! I don’t know what to make of it. I worry that he’s not connecting with real people and that he might be feeling lonely.
I just want to help him and make sure he’s happy and doing well in school. What should I do?
Sincerely,
A Concerned Mother
Dear Concerned Mother,
I can understand how worried you must be about your son’s situation. It’s natural for a parent to want their child to have healthy and fulfilling social experiences. It sounds like your son may be finding it challenging to connect with his peers in the real world, and instead, he has found solace in the virtual world through video games.
First and foremost, I recommend having an open and non-confrontational conversation with your son. Let him know that you’ve noticed he hasn’t been sharing much about his school experience and that you’re concerned about his well-being. Assure him that you are there to support him and that he can talk to you about anything. It’s essential to create a safe and comfortable space for him to open up.
Moreover, it might be useful to reach out to his teacher or school counselor to gain insights into his behavior at school. They may have noticed interactions with other students or have suggestions for how to encourage positive social interactions.
Additionally, consider exposing your son to activities outside of the virtual world where he can engage with other children, such as sports, clubs, or community events. Encouraging him to interact in diverse social settings can help him develop real-world friendships and enhance his social skills.
Lastly, remember that every child is unique, and sometimes it takes time for them to navigate their social circles. Your unwavering support and patience will play a crucial role in helping your son flourish.
I hope these suggestions provide some guidance on how to best support your son during this challenging time.
Warm regards,
Agony Aunt