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AIBU?

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Original poster

To refuse to play along with imaginary friend

59 replies

ImConfusedHelp · 27/08/2024 20:56

My DC (8) has decided they have an imaginary friend. I am sick to death of hearing “Marcus is hungry” (Marcus is the imaginary friend) or “Marcus wants to go to the park” or whatever other nonsense they come up with. I honestly don’t know what to do I’m sick of hearing about ‘Marcus’ and think 8 is far too old to have an imaginary friend. I’ve tried to explain to DC we all know Marcus isn’t real but they just start crying every time. AIBU to refuse to play along or even discuss ‘Marcus’ anymore?

OP posts:
cariadlet · 27/08/2024 21:11

Children do stuff that is boring and tedious but then they grow out of that stage.

DD had an imaginative game with developing storylines and characters that went on for years so I feel your pain. But whenever it was driving me bonkers, I used to tell myself that I would miss it when she stopped - and I did.

It seems unkind to tell your ds that he's too old to have an imaginary friend.

dontlikechanges · 27/08/2024 21:09

Could be a ghost he's made friends with.

Icarus40 · 27/08/2024 21:08

My eldest son had an imaginary friend with a whole imaginary family! There was the main guy. Then his brothers, parents, pets etc. We still talk about them all sometimes and DS is 14 🤣 I just smiled and nodded and occasionally expressed disgust at the imaginary friend's poor hygiene 😬

The imaginary friend didn't want to eat or go to the park though. I might have found that more irritating.

HangingOver · 27/08/2024 21:07

I had an imaginary friend til I was 10. He was a secret and he was a St Bernard lol

FriendlyRobin · 27/08/2024 21:06

I'd play along. They're probably externalising a bit of themselves.

"oh is he hungry. I wonder if it's time for lunch/we've already had dinner but he could have a small snack - would he like toast"

"ah yes the park is a good idea, let's go/oh we can't go to the park today but maybe at the weekend"

Sometimes they can't for whatever reason voice their own thoughts and desires and it's less threatening to have their imaginary friend voice them.

You'll look back with fondness...

Mum2jenny · 27/08/2024 21:05

YABU just let the child have the imaginary friends. It’s not hurting anyone. It’s typical child development

Stropalotopus83 · 27/08/2024 21:04

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Ahhhh Charlie and Lola. My dd loved that show when she was smaller!

Heedthaball · 27/08/2024 21:01

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Winrus · 27/08/2024 21:00

I’d be wondering how this came about. How long as Marcus been on the scene? First thoughts are whether maybe they’ve been a bit lonely / bored over summer?

If it were me I’d just ignore it and refuse to engage and hope he goes away when they’re back at school. If not then i guess get some proper advice

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