imaginary friends

[bebemoohatessnot]

dd is 17m and I'm pretty sure she has an imaginary friend... she offers food to the air and shakes her had and has conversations with one 'spot' for long minutes at a time during which time she says 'gaka' a lot. She also shares toys and her bike with someone or so it seems. It seems rather young? Is it me that's perhaps imagining this?
Does it mean that she's lonely for other children to play with? (the girl we used to see daily has moved away and we've not found anyone else yet)

It does seem young, I think they appear at about 2-3 years typically. DS now 3.0 had one developing from about the age of 2.8. He refers to him by name (he's called Bash) and the references have been getting more and more frequent as he gets older.

It's not a bad/lonely thing - although it's taken me a little while to get my head around I must admit - I thought it must have been cos DS is only child so I felt guilty.

I think it just means they have good imagination. If you do a search on here (top right) there are lots of posts about imaginary friends which helped me understand it a bit better

My DS (now 3) has a red dragon, his friend the grey wolf and his friend the blue wolf. They used to live with us in the spare room, sharing a bed together. Then they moved into their own home nearby. They go on holiday a lot to some fabulous places and now live in London together on a narrowboat.

They first came to live with us when DS was 1.8m. He's an only child too and I also felt guilty. As you say TheLemur, its just a sign of a very good imagination. I love it!

i had an imaginary friend called jennifer. and once my mum nearly sat on her in the bus. screams all round.!!!!! my 6yr grandson has a friend who miraculously appears when he has done something naughty. said friend did it of course. dont worry its natural.