My Daughter’s Imaginary Friend

I knew I should have given my daughter that puppy for Christmas, for children left to play alone eventually find themselves in dangerous situations. Once a child begins talking with themself, it isn't too long until they make an imaginary friend. And talking with an imaginary friend is nearly as dangerous as talking with a stranger. What if your child puts themself in danger for the sake of somebody who isn't real? Somebody you never can get to know?

What gives rise to an imaginary friend? Wishful thinking? Is this what my daughter secretly wished for--a friend? Perhaps it isn't too late to get that puppy…before they begin exchanging secrets.

By joining her one-sided conversation, would things only become less real to her?

What words could convince this imaginary friend to leave her alone? What could I say to this stranger who talks through my daughter? What could convince it to stop from feeding upon my daughter's loneliness and reinforcing her false beliefs?

The world is not always what we believe!

Nobody can make it on their own. I remind my daughter of the time she got lost. Of the time she wandered off, believing the wind was whispering to her…only to find nobody there.

Then the words came. The words that would convince my daughter to return to me.

Sweetie, would you like a puppy? A best friend who will always lead you back home?