Although research shows that loners have more adjustment problems than the social butterflies of the world, that is a group average and is not true for everyone. Some junior technicians would rather build model airplanes, work on the computer, or put together a short-wave radio than trade baseball cards or skateboard with neighbors.

Many youngsters do not want to put time and energy into peers unless they share their interests. Being alone and feeling lonely are very different. It is a mistake to try to cure a child of what does not ail him. If he is happy, that is all that counts. Just be sure that he has not become a loner by default because he has alienated his schoolmates with his inappropriate behavior.

How to Help a Loner

The best solution for a child who is suffering because he lacks friends is to find an activity he likes that he can really get involved in. Like adults, children often bond around shared experiences. Peers with a common interest are more willing to overlook one another's personality quirks. But before searching for ways to fill your child's social calendar, you do need to help your youngster learn some basic social skills.