Q: Our 16-year-old daughter is very regimented and she has no friends. She is a great student, but as parents, we are very worried about her as she doesn’t do anything social with others. What can we do?
A: Have you spoken to your daughter about this? Perhaps she is feeling depressed and alone and feels she may be rejected by her peers. I would have a talk with her and if she is feeling depressed it is important for her to talk with a professional and explore what is causing her depression. Also, you want to find out if she has taken the steps to make some friends. If she has and nothing has worked, I would contact her school counselor and set up a meeting for some ideas on initiating some new friends. Some possible options would be to join a club or a sport.
What your daughter likes is key because she could invite someone to join her for an after school activity that she enjoys. Be supportive and let her know that you care and want the best for her. Sometimes just getting some professional support so she knows she is not alone can be helpful.