In my nursing studies, I took a fascinating child psychology course where the topic of imaginary friends was discussed for a short period. I distinctly remember feeling a chill as the instructor described how children engage in elaborate conversations and playtime with their so-called “friends.” All I could think was: This can’t be normal! Haven’t you seen horror classics like The Shining, Amityville, or Poltergeist? I was convinced an exorcism was in order.
The other day, while home alone with my whimsical, wide-eyed, nearly five-year-old daughter, she leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper and said, “I have two friends… in my room.” My instinct was to flee, as if I were in a horror movie myself. We might need an exorcist after all.
I once listened to an interview with a famous author who claimed his ideas for horror stories came from having “the brain of an 8-year-old in a jar on my desk.” That sentiment echoed in my mind as my daughter disclosed her secret.
Me: “Ummm, are they here right now?”
Daughter: “Yes.”
Me: “Can I see them?”
Daughter: “NO!”
Me: “Why not?”
Daughter: “They don’t want you to know they are here yet.”
My heart raced. After a few probing questions, I learned that her friends were, thankfully, nice and didn’t encourage any sinister behavior. One looked like a balloon, and the other resembled a rainbow. Initially, I misheard her, thinking she mentioned a balloon as a companion. They only visit at night when her fan is on.
I did some research and consulted various sources, including the American Psychological Association (APA), which reassured me that this phenomenon is quite common and even a sign of creativity. They suggest fostering a dialogue about these “friends” without confirming their existence, all while trying to suppress my own fears about them.
Fast forward to yesterday morning, I was jolted awake by my daughter’s face just inches from mine, whispering, “They want to meet you now.” My heart raced with panic.
Me: “Who?!?”
Daughter: “My friends!”
Me: “Right now?!?”
Daughter: “Yup.”
As we approached her room, I realized I needed a plan. I paused outside the door.
Me: “Are they in there now?”
Daughter: “They should be.”
Me: “Are they in a good mood?”
Daughter: “I think so.”
Her vague responses did little to ease my anxiety. I opened the door and flipped on the light, only to be met with a frantic, “NO!” from my daughter. Apparently, the lights had to remain off, and the door had to be closed for her friends to appear. After complying with her instructions, she announced, “They’re gone.” Just like that, I was stood up by an imaginary balloon and rainbow. What has my life come to?
On the bright side, the APA states that imaginary friends usually don’t last longer than three years, so just as I start getting accustomed to these two, I’ll likely have to face a new set of imaginary companions. For more information on children and their imaginary friends, check out this article on home insemination kits.
In summary, while having imaginary friends may seem alarming to parents, it’s a common occurrence that indicates creativity in young children. Engaging in open conversations about these friends can help foster a child’s imagination while keeping parental concerns at bay.