During my time in nursing school, I enrolled in a child psychology course that briefly covered the topic of imaginary friends. I still remember the unsettling feeling that crept over me as the lecturer described children engaging in detailed conversations and play with these so-called “friends.”
My initial thought was that this couldn’t possibly be normal. Didn’t any of them see horror films like The Shining or Poltergeist? Surely, this wasn’t a good sign. I felt the urge to summon an exorcist.
Recently, while I was home alone with my lively, blue-eyed daughter, who is nearly five, she leaned in close and whispered, “I have two friends… in my room.”
It took all my strength not to sprint out of the house. I felt like I was in a horror movie myself.
After hearing this, I recalled an interview with a well-known author who humorously claimed to have the brain of an eight-year-old preserved in a jar. The serious tone in which my daughter delivered her news was eerily similar.
Me: “Uh, okay. Are they here now?”
Daughter: “Yes.”
Me: “Can I see them?”
Daughter: “NO!”
Me: “Why not?”
Daughter: “They don’t want you to know they’re here yet.”
My anxiety skyrocketed. After a round of questioning, I discovered that her imaginary friends were friendly and not demanding her to do anything sinister. One resembled a balloon, while the other looked like a rainbow. I initially thought she’d said, “One has a balloon,” which only heightened my alarm. She explained that they only came to her at night, especially when her fan was on.
A few internet searches and consultations with child psychology resources reassured me that this phenomenon is entirely normal. The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that imaginary friends can be a sign of creativity and that parents should maintain an open dialogue about these companions while avoiding the temptation to acknowledge their existence.
Armed with this knowledge, I managed to get through the week without calling for backup from the local priest.
Then, the following morning, I was jolted awake by my daughter’s excited whisper, “They want to meet you now.”
My heart raced.
Me: “What?! Who?!”
Daughter: “My friends!”
Me: “Right now?”
Daughter: “Yup.”
As we approached her room, I realized I needed to gather more information.
Me: “Are they in there?”
Daughter: “They should be.”
Me: “Are they in a good mood?”
Daughter: “I think so.”
Me: “Should I talk to them?”
Daughter: “I dunno.”
With my daughter offering little clarity, I decided to brave the room, albeit without any safety measures in place.
Me: “Okay, let’s do this.”
Upon entering, it was dark, and I squinted to see if there was something lurking in the corner. I flipped on the light, only to be met with a scream.
Daughter: “NO!!!!!!!!!”
Me: “What?!?”
Daughter: “The lights have to be off or they won’t come!”
Of course.
Daughter: “And the door has to be shut too.”
Great.
Daughter: “Now sit on the floor… there.”
Following her instructions felt surreal, but I complied.
After a mere six seconds, she announced, “They’re gone.”
Me: “What?! Did I do something wrong?”
Daughter: “No, they just had to leave.”
So, there I was, stood up by an imaginary balloon and rainbow at 6:15 on a Saturday morning. What has my life become?
The silver lining? The APA states that imaginary friends typically last no more than three years before evolving into new “friends.” Just as I start to get accustomed to this pair of whimsical companions, I’ll have to face a whole new set. Fantastic.
If you’re curious about the topic of imaginary friends in children, you can explore more here.
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Summary: Children often develop imaginary friends as a sign of creativity and emotional growth. While some parents may find this concerning, experts affirm that it is a normal phase in child development. Engaging with children about their imaginary companions can facilitate creativity and provide comfort.