I know how you feel op, my kid doesn't have a clique to hang with and rarely gets asked to join a group.

I have a suggestion --- being a teenager is hard and when this happened to my oldest, I always felt so sorry for him.

But I kind of learned that it was on me. So now if it looks like that might happen, I try to make it seem like I'd rather them be home with me. I have said things like - oh I'm glad you don't have plans - can you come for frozen yogurt? Or can you make some cupcakes for us to decorate? You can make it better than it is by being cheerful and more fun. Even if you have to work - something little is enough and makes them feel better. If she already feels badly she doesn't need you also feeling sorry for her.

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you for your replies, they do make me feel better. My assumption is that when a half day is on a friday, most kids aren't coming home and doing homework but rather making into sort of a long weekend. She knows some friends were going to the mall and she wanted to tag along but it didn't work out (and I have a feeling it didn't work out because she wasn't exactly invited, which also contributes to my sadness for her). To the PP who said I'm making it worse for her by being morose, I agree with you. I'm doing my best and keeping a happy face because the last thing I want is for her to feel like home isn't a safe place for her to be herself. She does have soccer practice at 5:00, which is good. But her one friend on the soccer team is part of that group that went to the mall without her, and is skipping practice so again.... sigh.

To the PP who asked if she wouldn't be as sad on a regular school day, the answer is no, b/c she has a bunch of sports and other activities she does, so she usually has a plan after school. it's just today's combination of beautiful Friday + half day + knowing her friends are out without her that is creating the perfect storm.

Thanks again for the replies, I really do appreciate them. One day at a time....

That was me. Maybe you can do something cool and special together.

OP here, thank you for your replies, they do make me feel better. My assumption is that when a half day is on a friday, most kids aren't coming home and doing homework but rather making into sort of a long weekend. She knows some friends were going to the mall and she wanted to tag along but it didn't work out (and I have a feeling it didn't work out because she wasn't exactly invited, which also contributes to my sadness for her). To the PP who said I'm making it worse for her by being morose, I agree with you. I'm doing my best and keeping a happy face because the last thing I want is for her to feel like home isn't a safe place for her to be herself. She does have soccer practice at 5:00, which is good. But her one friend on the soccer team is part of that group that went to the mall without her, and is skipping practice so again.... sigh.

To the PP who asked if she wouldn't be as sad on a regular school day, the answer is no, b/c she has a bunch of sports and other activities she does, so she usually has a plan after school. it's just today's combination of beautiful Friday + half day + knowing her friends are out without her that is creating the perfect storm.

Thanks again for the replies, I really do appreciate them. One day at a time....

I remember loving early-outs on Fridays so I could come home and take a long nap!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, with all kindness, if she is picking up on your morose, you are making it worse for her. My very personable 10 year old is off today, I'm working at home, and he has been doing chores for me because I don't have time to fool with a play date.

NP here. If you haven't had a child who is lonely, etc., then why do you bother answering? And to accuse the OP of making it worse.

You are like the smug marrieds in Bridget Jones.

I said that IF the child is picking up on OP's attitude (quite possible, if not extremely likely), then yes, that is making it worse.

There is nothing smug about this. I presumed that OP came here for help and thoughts, not just a parrot back to validate her feelings.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I feel your pain. My 13 year-old came home and went straight into bed with her phone so she can see what other kids are doing without her. It sucks and I wish I could be home to get her out and about but I have to be at work.

I'm working at home today. Kid #1 is doing homework. Kid #2 is lying on the couch reading a book.

Sorry OP!

But wouldn't she be just as sad on a regular school day?

Anonymous wrote:OP, with all kindness, if she is picking up on your morose, you are making it worse for her. My very personable 10 year old is off today, I'm working at home, and he has been doing chores for me because I don't have time to fool with a play date.

NP here. If you haven't had a child who is lonely, etc., then why do you bother answering? And to accuse the OP of making it worse.

You are like the smug marrieds in Bridget Jones.

OP, I feel your pain. My 13 year-old came home and went straight into bed with her phone so she can see what other kids are doing without her. It sucks and I wish I could be home to get her out and about but I have to be at work.

OP, with all kindness, if she is picking up on your morose, you are making it worse for her. My very personable 10 year old is off today, I'm working at home, and he has been doing chores for me because I don't have time to fool with a play date.

How old is she? Is she in any sports or activities? Maybe she could try something new to meet new people?

Most kids go home and finish their homework, OP.

Have her get started on homework?

Not seeking any advice, just need to express my sadness. My DD is socially awkward, doesn't have many friends, and so days like today when MOCO has a half day are so hard. I work from home so I see how dejected she feels coming home and not having anyone to hang out with. I wish I could've taken half the day off but it was absolutely impossible today. I know someday she may grow out of this and life is long but right now I feel bad for her.