Joanna Fortune: My son is struggling to make friends in school

A reader whose son spends lunchtimes in the classroom asks for advice 

My son says he’s nothing in common with the boys in his class. What can I do?

Joanna Fortune

CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPIST

My teenage son is struggling to make friends in school. He has just started second year and still spends lunchtime in the classroom. I’ve made some suggestions, but he says he’s nothing in common with the boys in his class, who are primarily sporty. He likes music and gaming and refuses to take up a sport. I am not sure what to do.
One of the most painful things for us as parents to witness is our children struggling to connect with their peer group. When we know that they have their group of friends, we feel reassured that they are doing OK.