Thursday, June 14, 2012

Loneliness

She was always the social one-although she claims to be shy.

On the drive home from school she'd make plans to play with Nichole after her piano lessons. We'd pull into our driveway and she'd leap from the car and shout "I'm going to meet Ainsley and Keegan at the park!" as she ran through our yard holding hands with her little brother. A short while later, 5 extra kids would be in our family room making a sofa cushion fort. They usually ended up in the toy room playing school or "cooker" before dinner.

She'd hold court at our Brownie meetings-leading through humor. She made everyone feel important.. She made sure everyone welcomed and included her brother's since they HAD to attend every meeting.

She'd beg to go around the pond on her scooter one more time before Hannah had her weekly visitation with her dad. She'd inhale dinner and race through her homework if she knew it meant getting to spend more time with friends before bed. She'd play dress-up and have a photo shoot with Lauren, play Barbies with Nichole & Natalie, horses and American Girls with Emmie and Allie.

We've been in our new house sixteen days and she hasn't made any friends. She hasn't gone to play at anyone's house. There's no pond to ride around, no one to meet at the neighborhood playground. She hasn't complained but I know she's lonely.

And it breaks my heart.

I'm sorry Peanut!


26 comments:

@dkotucker said...

(((HUGS))) Robbie!

Diane

NPRMommy said...

it's so hard when they're not themselves...i moved twice as a kid...the transition may be rough, but i'm sure that outgoing, exuberant little Peanut is in there...she'll rebound soon enough :)

Kristen said...

Oh Robbie. Hugs to you all. I knew as soon as I read the first line of this - that she was probably having trouble. I know you have said you all are. You will be ok. I promise. You are a great mom! You will help her through this... and probably she will help you too. Love to you both!!!

Erica M said...

Doesn't feel like it yet, she's gonna be fine. You hear me, Peanut? You're gonna be okay!

Suzanne Bjornn White said...

That is so hard! Moving is tough on anyone, but especially kids. Hopefully if she's sociable though, she will be able to make friends, especially once school starts up again.

carrie said...

Moving sucks!! I hope that the neighbourhood reveals itself to her and she gets to experience some special, hidden gems.

Kathleen said...

Awwww! Your poor sweetie! It will get better. Are there any community programs or classes she could enroll in? That's a good way to meet new people.

Hang in there, mama!

Jennifer said...

It's hard to move during the summer- but kids are resilient. She will be alright and will soon meet new friends.

Lynn said...

awe this breaks my heart. Moving is so hard. But it's still so early, right? 16 days? I'm sure she will be fine. I'm with Carrie...hopefully the neighborhood will show her just what she's looking for. Give the other children time to realize there's a new kid on the block...she will do great.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry...it probably breaks your heart to see her lonely. But I'm sure she'll make friends soon. Is there a town camp? She might be able to find kids there. Hope it gets better for her soon!

Robbie K said...

It's just so hard to watch. :(

Robbie K said...

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I just hope things happen fast b/c if this keeps up she will be a different girl when school finally starts.

Robbie K said...

Hugs always appreciated :)

She is being so tolerant and patient but has been crying every night and misses KS.

Robbie K said...

I'll tell her you said so.

Robbie K said...

Moving is hard and i just wish there were places to go/ways to meet new friends at this age other than school.

Robbie K said...

that's so sweet and I'll hold on to that hope too!

Robbie K said...

she's enrolled in 2 classes but they don't start for a few more weeks.

Robbie K said...

It is hard but I expected it to be a bit easier to meet people as it was when we moved the first time 7 years ago.

Robbie K said...

It is early but you know how it is to a child--16 days is eternity.

Hoping we all meet some ppl soon.

Robbie K said...

It is heartbreaking. she is signed up for a few things so i'll keep my fingers crossed that she makes friends there.

Kimberly said...

Aw, that's so sad and I'm sure it's hard to watch. She'll make friends soon, I'm sure.

Pish Posh said...

Peanut is such a cute nickname. Just think of this - she's going to remember this time intensely and become a writer and write incredible stories about how she made new friends and moved to a new place.

Have you ever noticed how many kids are named Keegan nowadays? Keegan, Jayden, etc. Boys and girls.

Larks said...

((( hugs ))) That must be so hard to watch. Moving can be really tough. But kids are amazingly resilient. Hang in there, Peanut! And hang in there, mama!

Shell said...

It will come for her, though!

Robbie K said...

it is hard to watch and I'm hoping for the best.

Amanda said...

I really hope things get better for you all!! Hang in there