My husband just got home from a year overseas and a week later they moved us to a new state. My son turns 7 on the 18th but has no friends here at our new base to invite. He's really depressed and his Dad and I want to plan a really fun day to show him that it's family that counts most. Any ideas to cheer my lonely little guy up? Like games, activities or anything really. Thanks a lot in advance for taking the time.
Suzanne S. in NJ and a state of worry for her boy.
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Maybe you should post an "Open House" sign, that states, "come to a birthday party for the new boy in town" or something like that. Plan for some snack or finger foods, hot dogs, whatever. It might give you a good opportunity to meet up with the rest of the neighbors. Make it very clear that no gifts are required, only the opportunity to become acquainted and hopefully find some kids for your son to hang with in his new home. I certainly wouldn't recommend this in a new neighborhood, because you don't know who lives there, but I can't help but believe that everyone on the base would be absolutely safe, even if they are strangers now. I think it would be a good chance for the son, and the parents to make new friends. Good luck and wish your son a Happy Birthday.
First of all, thank you to your husband and family for the sacrifices you have made. For your son's birthday, walk through the neighborhood and look of any signs of kids (bicycles, swingsets, toys in yard). I am not familiar with base living so I don't know what kind of restrictions there are.
Awww! what an adorable boy!
My sons(6) birthday was a few weeks ago while school was still in, and he couldnt miss no days because of state tests going on. And his Daddy wasnt going to be in town for the weekends. So we made it a 'birthday' week. Everyday that week he got a happy meal or icee or such, from where ever he wanted to go after school. Then that Saturday we went thru every fast food place in town and got one kids meal from each. Then went to the park and his brothers , him and I had the best time.
Send emails to all of his friends and family members 'back home' & request they all send him birthday cards. Maybe some will also send gift cards to places so he can do some shopping.
Maybe a trip to Chuck E. Cheese's, where other kids might be. You could either take a birthday cake or order one from them and let anyone there who's around celebrate his birthday with you all. I know he'll have a great time, where ever he is. He's darling!! I love the red hair! You didn't say his name, so wish him a "Happy Birthday" from us!!
A friend of ours when door to door right after they moved into our neighborhood and invited ALL children over for a watermelon eating contest. Parents were invited too. They told the parents of the children they wanted to introduce their child to the children of the neighborhood. It worked out great! Soon that child had so many friends and the parents made friends also.
He's a little darling! Take him to the zoo, a water park, a fun park, or anywhere there will be other children. Call the chamber of commerce in the city where you are and find out what restaurants offer free meals for a person on their birthday.
Hello Suzanne,
My daughter recently went through the same thing as they are stationed in Europe. So I can understand how you are feeling. How about getting a few helium ballons, hang them on the front door, and use one of the tables outside
and have a few kid friendly snacks and drinks. You probably have some type of yard game like horse shoe, badmitton or you know like some summer sporty thing like that. A few lawn chairs, and get your son a cake at the commisary. I know most people that live on post are usually very friendly and willing to participate in most activities.
What a cutie! Tell him that we wish him a Happy Birthday, and he will definitely make friends, but it takes a little time.
This may sound a little farfetched, but if he could go to the library for story time and cake that would be helpful. I don't know if the library where you live now would do this, but our library is very child-friendly. If food isn't allowed, then maybe the kids at story time could sing Happy birthday to him, and make cards. Our library shows childrens' movies frequently, so maybe you could arrange that too.
Good luck, and please let us know how his brithday turns out. Thanks!
that's rough....especially when they are old enough to have real friends....we were in a similar situation in february but were fortunate enough to have family nearby.....maybe you can look in your area for different activites that he might enjoy (going to the zoo, roller skating, swimming, miniature golf, movies) and spend a day of that and going to a favorite place to eat.....good luck and i hope you guys have a wonderful day!!!!!!! : )
Please wish your son Happy Birthday from us. Let
him know that this time of not knowing anyone
won't last long with a smile like his, he'll have lots
of friends. I really like the ideas that have been
presented to you. Letting the people know there
is a party for a new kid sounds like a winner to me.
Good luck.
Jeane in Texas
I've read all your great ideas and told my husband and now he's afraid we're going to make our son appear desperate! How can I convince my husband that kids don't care AND neither should we as long as Ian has fun?
Get a moonwalk invite family(cousins, grandmas ect.) eat hotdogs and have fun.
i totally agree witht he posts about finding other children to play with
i would go to any lengths to do this for my kids and have done so in the past so much so that i got teased about rent-a-friend lol
my middle boy is mentally disabled and for a few years he really struggled to make friends and i used to go to the school and tell them it was their responsibility to get friendship clubs going for my son as he spent most of the day there, i made them do the hard work during school time so i could quit worrying
at home iw ould go round the neighbourhood one person at a time and really beg each parent to let their kid come over even for a half hour and how much it would mean to my son i got to be honest we had some lean years where i had to just take him places other children were even if they were strangers such as mcdonalds, swim centre, playground of local park etc
its not much better now hes at secondary level school as he would rather stay home playing xbox than socialising so its a real battle for us and im worried he will grow up very lonely with no friends
but when he was much younger i i took him for his birthday party where other children were
Go to his school when you drop him off. Talk to the other parents and also while he is in line with the kids talk to them also. Another thing you could do is if the Principle of his school will let you. Go and have lunch with him and bring him a pizza. There will be extra. From standing in line you will know which kids are the nice ones and may offer for them to come sit by the two of you and share your pizza. Then once the ice has broken mention that your son is having a party and what fun it is going to be. I have seen this done at my childs school.
Do something extra special with just the family on his birthday and then tell him you will give him a half year birthday. That way he can have a party to celebrate that birth day and have made friends by then
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