The U.S. Surgeon General recently recognized loneliness and isolation as a public health crisis in our nation—right up there with obesity and addiction. One of the most common types of loneliness facing today’s average American? Public aloneness.

Public aloneness is the reality of being surrounded by people, online and in real life, but missing out on meaningful connections. The anecdote to public aloneness isn’t more time online or simply getting out around other people. The solution is creating deep, personal connections through authentic community.

If your girl is struggling to foster friendships, seek out ways to make her feel valued and included in your home. By investing deeply in your relationship with her you can instill a sense of belonging and God’s loving presence in her life.

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: