DS will be 3yo this month and for the last six months or so he's had an imaginary dog named Doggy (his imagination doesn't extend to original names). Doggy usually lives in DS's bedroom but often likes to visit the rest of the house too, especially at meal times when he likes to hide under the table. Occasionally Doggy wants to go on a walk, if we're already out he comes with us or else DS will ask if we can go for a walk around the block. He's a responsible imaginary dog owner to boot and always reminds me to scoop Doggy's poop.
Over the six months Doggy has been joined by Pooty the cat. Sometimes Pooty is a cat and sometimes DS pretends he himself is Pooty and will demand that we rub his belly. Also joining the imaginary menagerie is Beebee, a baby duck, and a nameless dinosaur. All of these animals live in his room and make appearances as and when DS wants them to.
I'm not worried too much about it, it's quite endearing really and they're like an extension of his sweet self. I've been told though that I shouldn't indulge it or encourage it. I don't encourage him to add new imaginary animals or to keep them going but when he involves me I can't not join in.
Has anyone got any experience of imaginary friends and the best way to handle them?