Should we be worried about my 7 year old cousins imaginary friend?

Question

She told me that her name is May and that she is 4, her father died in the war, and mother in a car wreck. She wants May to live with my husband and my self so that she can always play with her. My cousin dose not live with us she lives with her grandmother and sees her mother sometimes. Should we be concerned or is this just a sign she has a good imagination

Answer 1

It's normal. I had an imaginary friend when I was that age too. I think it shows that she has a great imagination. I grew up to be a writer. Allow her to continue and go along with her. It's not going to hurt anything to believe in a child.

Answer 2

wishing you the patience and courage to be there for your niece. MAY is the imaginary friend. Wow. springtime, when everything blooms and comes to life. She probably does have a great imagination and smart, but perhaps some anxiety issues also. , but at the same time she may be just lonely. No father was mentioned, she lives with her grandmother.( How old is she) Rarely sees her mom. Any siblings? anyone else to play with?? I would try to spend time hanging out with her,talking with her. Get to know what "May" is like. What kind of things do they do together. Who does may resemble. Why does she want her to live at your house? If these conversations still bother your inner soul, I have found that the school guidance counselor is always a great source to start with. At school they have "workshops" in which the children discuss lots of things that are bothering them, I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Imaginary friends are normal... however due to her situation I'll categorize it as a call for help.... She's 7 years old living with a grandma... it could be the wishing of a sibling so she can play big sister.. my son does it from time to time but he really wants somebody to play with... could be a lack or attention or longing for companionship.... Try putting her in play groups after school.. just so she's around more children and really only comes home when it's time for dinner family time and bed... should make her ease up on the imaginary friend... also just for reference... the story could be how she See's her life and the friend is how she feels she is... it's her way of releasing her emotions or at the very least communicating them

Answer 4

This seven year old could of course have an imaginary friend which at times is talking to her like very real, and again it could be a being that attach to her and is telling her what happens to her when she was on this plane, I had imaginary friend up until I was nine and my mother usually hear me speaking to them it was two boys, she never thought it was meant to harm, but give a close watch and concern to your cousin with her imaginary friend.

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about it unless May does things in your house while your cousin is NOT visiting. My youngest boy had an imaginary friend. Personally, I would go along with it, and even make up a place for May to stay. It is a great chance for you to be that special someone in your cousin's life.

Answer 6

I had an imaginary friend when I was a kid. I think I had it till I was like 9. I'm pretty normal now and am married and have 2 great kids. Don't worry about it. It's completely normal. My son has never had one but my 4 yr old daughter does.

Answer 7

I read an article that once said something like 70% of kids have imaginary friends from 4-8 years old. Don't worry it's normal. I had one when I was young.

Answer 8

Actually to tell you the truth. This may be sign of an issue. Due to the lack of attention i think your 7 year old cousin may have a problem. I suggest you take her to the doctor. Since she may want to see her mommy a lot but she cant so she made up a friend. This is not a good sign. Take care and good luck! =]

Answer 9

This is completley normal. It happened to my daughter when she was 6. Her imaginary friend was Ebert and she had a whole sob story for him too. It passed a couple of months later. Ask your daughter if she has any friends besides May. If not, then play some games with her and give her some attention. It will pass soon.

Answer 10

I think it's normal. She's picked up the story from somewhere. Maybe a human interest story on the news but she will outgrow it. My brother's imaginary friend when he was little was a Senator. When my mother saw this Senator in the grocery store one day she introduced my brother to him and told the Senator he was my brother's imaginary friend. I think it rather shocked my brother and that was the end of his imaginary friend!